ASO-Sponsored Support Groups – In Person Meetings:
For All Ages
A Day at OMSI – Free with limited availability each month. Come join us at OMSI for a free day to learn new things, interact with fun hands-on exhibits, and make new friends along the way. We will be your host for 3 hours of exploration at OMSI. We will be providing entry and sensory kits if needed. Register for weekday events at LINK. Register for weekend events at LINK. Presented by The Connection Club in Partnership with The Autism Society of Oregon. Questions? Contact ED@connectionclub.com.
Club EMU’s Game Club (West Linn) – Meets on the 2nd Friday of each month from 6:30pm – 9:30pm at West Linn Lutheran Church, 20390 Willamette Drive. Video games for All Ages plus Teen Room, and Adult Room. Board games in the Dining Hall. Family and friends are welcome. Pizza and beverage provided but please bring something to share. $10 suggested donation per family. The Autism Society of Oregon provides sponsorship to offset the costs. See https://clubemu.org/.
For Children & Youth
Forest Grove Game Club (based in Forest Grove). Meets on the first Friday of each month from 5:00-6:45 pm. This group is is designed to facilitate opportunities for mentorship and empowerment with neurodivergent individuals aged 11-22 (along with any responsible support person or parent who attends with game club members). A support person must be present if they are usually present with the game club member. How to RSVP: click here for the Facebook page or click here to send an email to ForestGroveGameClub@gmail.com.
ASO-Sponsored Support Groups – Virtual/On-line Meetings:
For Children & Youth
(Online) Friendship Group for Autistic Kids (suggested ages: 7 – 13): Meets Every Monday from 6 – 6:45 PM. We play online games, alternating between Minecraft and Jackbox. This group is meeting online, with occasional in person meetups. To register and get a Zoom link, please go to LINK.
New Description! (Online) Supported Teen & Young Adult Club. This group meets on the 3rd Saturday of each month from 1-2 PM online. This group is for Autistic teens and young adults who may need a parent, guardian, or caregiver to participate. Our group enjoys miniature environments like toy trains, watching clips together mostly of animated short films and shows, music and dance videos. They also enjoy drawing together. This group is led by Danitza Galvan who has a Master’s Degree in Early Intervention/Special Education and who is the parent of a young Autistic adult. For questions or more info, call us at 503-636-1676 or email LoriB@AutismSocietyOregon.org. Register for the Zoom link at LINK.
For Adults
Sorry, this group is now full! (Hybrid) Women and Non-Binary Friendship Group for Those on the Autism Spectrum (based in Portland). Meets on the 1st & 3rd Sundays of each month, from 3:30 – 5 PM. For female-identifying and non-binary Autistic people, ages 18 and up, looking for an accepting environment in which to hangout with other female-identifying or non-binary Autistic adults. Come chat, relax, or just chill. Participate in great discussions and/or activities (or not) of your choosing!
(Online) Women & Non-Binary Friendship Group #2. Meets online only every other Sunday from 5:30 – 7 PM. For female-identifying and non-binary Autistic people, ages 18 and up, looking for an accepting environment in which to hangout with other female-identifying or non-binary Autistic adults. Come chat, relax, or just chill. Participate in great discussions and/or activities (or not) of your choosing! This group is facilitated by Erika, an Autistic adult who identifies as nonbinary. To register for this group, click LINK. For additional information call 503-636-1676 or email LoriB@AutismSocietyOregon.org.
NEW TIME! New Link (Online) Intersectional Identity Group – Support and Discussion Group for Autistic Adults with Intersectional Identities, age 18+ Meets online every Monday, from 1:30 – 3:00 PM. The purpose of this group is to cultivate a safe space to process and discuss what it’s like to have an intersectional Autistic identity in the world (e.g., Autistic people who are also: people of color, trans, queer, gender queer, assigned female at birth, etc). Please note, this is not to assume that we will all understand each other’s experience, but that we do understand having an intersectional identity comes with extra complexities. This is a peer support group facilitated by an Autistic Trans and Queer person. To register contact Lori Ball at LoriB@autismsocietyoregon.org for link.
NEW TIME! (Online) Support and Discussion Group for Autistic Adults – Wednesday Edition, age 18+ Meets online every Wednesday from 3:30 – 5 PM. The purpose of this group is to cultivate a safe, affirming space to process and discuss what it’s like to be Autistic in the world. This is a peer support group facilitated by Rae (he/him), an Autistic person. This group is a stand alone support group. Click here to REGISTER. For more information contact Lori Ball at LoriB@autismsocietyoregon.org or 503-636-1676.
(Online) Support and Discussion Group for Autistic Adults – Thursday Edition, age 18+ Meets online every Thursday from 5:30 – 7 PM. The purpose of this group is to cultivate a safe, affirming space to process and discuss what it’s like to be Autistic in the world. This is a peer support group facilitated by Lisa, an Autistic person. This group is a stand alone support group. Click here to REGISTER. For more information contact Lori Ball at LoriB@autismsocietyoregon.org or 503-636-1676.
(Online) Autistic Parents Parenting Group. – Meets every other Thursday from 1:30-2:30 PM. This support group is for parents who are Autistic themselves. Our aim is to create a supportive space where you can share your experiences, challenges, and insights as Autistic individuals raising children. This group is facilitated by an Autistic adult who is a parent of both Autistic and non-Autistic children. Register at LINK HERE. For questions, email LoriB@AutismSocietyOregon.org or call 503-636-1676.
(Online) Autistic Professional Support Group: Meets every other Friday from 6 – 7 PM. This support group provides a welcoming community for Autistic adults employed in professional positions to share business-related experiences and to solicit feedback and advice. This group is for Autistic, career-focused individuals who hold or have held mid to senior level positions and/or a position with at least 2 years of experience in their field. The group offers an overall sense of belonging, group mentorship, and social connection. At each meeting there will be a guided topic to start the conversation which can lead to bigger discussions. This group is led by Dan Dickinson, an Autistic adult who works in a mid-level professional position. If you are unsure if this group is for you, please contact us to discuss and we’ll figure it out. Contact the ASO office at 503-636-1676 or Click to Email. To register and get a Zoom link, please go to LINK.
(Online) “Happy Hour” for Autistic adults (age 40+). An Autistic run social group for Autistic adults age 40+.This time is to chat, support each other and forge new friendships. Meetings are the 4th Friday of each month from 7:30 – 8:30 PM. For questions or more information contact Info@AutismSocietyOregon.org or call our office at 503-636-1676. Click the LINK HERE to register.
Online Young Adult Social Group (Ages 18–30). Meets on the 2nd Saturday and 3rd Monday of each month from 6:30-7:30 PM. This peer-led social group is for young adults ages 18–30 who are no longer in school. Participants must be at least 18 years old; the group is not open to minors. Two group consultants attend each session to help create a socially safe environment by mediating conflict when needed and supporting participants in making connections. Saturday meeting registration at LINK HERE. Monday meeting registration at LINK HERE. Please note: This is not a skill-building class. For more information, please email Peggy Piers at LINK.
For Parents & Caregivers
(Online) Autism Parent Support Group: Join our Autism Parent Support Group, an online community for parents and caregivers of Autistic children (ages 0-22). We meet on the 3rd Wednesday of each month from 6:30 -7:30 PM to share experiences, resources, and encouragement. Facilitated by Lori Ball, Programs Director at the Autism Society of Oregon and a parent of an Autistic child, our sessions provide a safe space to connect, discuss strategies, and gain insights. Parents can share triumphs and concerns, seek guidance on school systems, and find emotional support. Join us to empower each other and celebrate parenting an Autistic child. To register and get the Zoom link, please go to LINK.
(Online) Autistic Parents Parenting Group. – Meets every other Thursday from 1:30-2:30 PM. This support group is for parents who are Autistic themselves. Our aim is to create a supportive space where you can share your experiences, challenges, and insights as Autistic individuals raising children. This group is facilitated by an Autistic adult who is a parent of both Autistic and non-Autistic children. Register at LINK HERE. For questions, email LoriB@AutismSocietyOregon.org or call 503-636-1676.
Grupo de Apoyo para Padres de Autismo: Grupo de apoyo padres que hablan español. Reunión virtual mensual. Primer sábado de cada mes. 10-11 AM. Inscríbase en el ENLACE AQUÍ. ¿Preguntas? Póngase en contacto con info@AutismSocietyOregon.org o llame al 503-636-1676.
(Online) ASO/Synergy Autism Support Group Meeting for Parents: Meets 4th Saturday each month from 10 – 11:30 AM. Our on-line group for parents of Autistic children (birth-adult) living in Oregon. This group is facilitated by Barbara Avila, MS, of Synergy Autism Center. Cozy up with a morning beverage and your computer! The group looks at a different topic each month including self-care, safety considerations, understanding your child’s processing, social engagement and challenging your child productively. To register and get the Zoom link, please go to LINK.
For more support and social group listings, please see the Support Groups by Region on the ASO website at LINK. Click on each region for listings in that region. We list the groups that ASO sponsors first, then all of the groups that we’re aware of in that region.
Other Support Groups & Activities Not Sponsored by ASO:
For All Ages
Connection Club Cosplay Group – Meets on the First Sunday of each month from 1:30pm – 3:30pm at Taborspace in Portland. Cosplay Group is a place to come and make friends, work on costumes, and talk about all things pop culture. It is a group for everyone. Whether you like cosplay, play D&D, are a fan of comic books, or just want to make friends, this is the place for you. Register at LINK HERE. Questions? Contact ED@connectionclub.com.
For Parents
AWE (AWEtism We Embrace) meets the 3rd Tuesday of every month, from 6:30 – 8:30 pm via Zoom. AWE is a group for adults (18 and older) for those on AND off the spectrum. No diagnosis is required. Each participant, no matter where they are in their journey, shares an interest in forming an environment of mutual respect to gain fresh outlooks. This creates better tools to understand our situations, our loved ones and ourselves. This group supports and respects members in their individual paths toward acceptance no matter where they are on the “human spectrum.” To get on the listserv, or to obtain the Zoom link for meetings, please email Shasti McLaughlin at shastim@autismempowerment.org or text 503-781-2461. AWE also has a Facebook group, linked HERE.
Charla entre padres en linea – Nos reunimos cada segundo miércoles de cada mes puedes unirte entre las 6:00 pm a 8:00 pm. Tiene preguntas? Contacte a Rosa Belem Ochoa! Para español: (541) 414-4958 – rosa@bcoregon.org. Meets the 2nd Wednesday of every month, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm over Zoom. A way for parents across the state to connect and share in Spanish. Contact Rosa Belem Ochoa for the Meeting ID at (541) 414-4958.
“Talk it Over” Family Support Group (Portland): “If your child is struggling with a mental or behavioral health challenge or is abusing substances, please visit our support group and get that help you need”. Now meeting online. For more information, contact Margaret Puckette at 503-737-9971 or raisingtroubledkids@comcast.net
Better Together Parent Online Café. Meets on most Thursday evenings 6-7:30 pm. We are “Parents Helping Parents” For families of children with social, behavioral, emotional, and physical challenges. Meet other parents in a confidential, supportive setting. Share experiences, successes, and frustrations. Exchange ideas, learn parenting skills and find new tools. For more information and to sign up, contact Signe Miller at signem@ofsn.net or (541) 505 2511.
Rainbow Family Support Group: Supporting Parents with youth in the LGBTQ+ Community – Meets on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 6 PM. Register at LINK HERE. For questions, contact 503-363-8068.
Grupo Arcoiris de apoyo Famillia: Apoyo a los padres con jóvenes de la comunidad LGBTQ+ – Se reúne el tercer miércoles de cada mes a las 6 PM. Inscríbase en el ENLACE AQUÍ. Si tiene preguntas, póngase en contacto con 503-363-8068.
On-Line Communities
ASO – Autism Society of Oregon – Business Page. Open Facebook group where we post information about events and items of state-wide interest related to autism. Click here to access.
ASO – Autism Society of Oregon – Group Page. Private Facebook group. From the group description: “The ASO Facebook page is a place to share information about non-commercial autism and autism-related events occurring in Oregon and SW Washington.” Click here for more information on joining this group.
Oregon Parents of Children on the Autism Spectrum. Private Facebook group. From the group description: “A group for parents looking to connect with other local [Portland area] parents to support one another in the daily joys and struggles of having a child on the autism spectrum.” Click here for more information on joining this group.
Oregon Teen and Adult Disability and Advocacy Group. Private Facebook group. From the group description: “This group was formed with the intent to bring together cross disability discussions with a focus for teens and adults. Those who are caregivers, parents, differently abled and other family members are encouraged to find resources here.” Click here for more information on joining this group.
PAN – Portland Aspergers Network Private Facebook group. From the group description: “We assist families with youth and teens mildly affected by Autism, PDD-NOS and an umbrella of autism spectrum disorders. PAN’s Facebook page is for friendly, respectful discussion of issues related to autism.” Click here for more information about joining this group.
PAM – Portland Autist and Allied Moms (formerly known as Portland Autism Moms) – Private Facebook group. Mission Statement: “A group that respects Neurodiversity and provides support, understanding and connection to our community of MOMS with autistic children who live in the Portland/Vancouver Metro areas. We strive to be respectful at all times to the autistic community while recognizing the need to provide moms support.” If interested please request to join by sending an email to: PortlandAutismMoms@gmail.com
Portland Autist And Ally Parents (PAP) – Private Facebook group. From the group description: “Open to all caregivers of people on the autism spectrum in the Portland, OR area.” Click here for more information about joining this group.
PDX Autistic Adults – Private Facebook group. From the group description: “This group is aimed at Portland, OR area adults who on the Autism spectrum. This page is open to any adult on the spectrum regardless of race, religion, and LGBTQ+” Click here for more information about joining this group.
SEPTOP-Special Education PTO of Portland. Private Facebook group. From the group description: “Founded by families raising children (K-12) who experience varying disabilities in the Portland Public School District, This group is open to parents, teachers, and other community members who are interested in improving the education of students with disabilities.” Click here for more information about joining this group.
Grandparent Support Group – Meets on the 1st Tuesday of the month at 10-11 am & the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 6-7 pm. “We cover topics such as boundaries, trauma, parenting, grief, and more. Grandparents and other caregivers of relative children are welcome.” For more information, call 833-201-5557. Online: click the LINK HERE Phone: +1 314-666-1828 PIN: 291 586 204#. Presented by Oregon Kinship Navigator, a statewide program to help grandparents and other relatives raising children to find resources to support their caregiving efforts. For their mailing list, sign up at LINK HERE.
Oregon Grandparents and Relatives Raising Kids Facebook Group “This is a private group for relative caregivers in Oregon. Ask questions, find resources, and connect with other Grandparent and relative caregivers throughout the state.” Riverview Center for Growth (Springfield)- Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS), classes focus on applying CPS to everyday family situations, offering an exciting, research based approach to parenting. All Parent/Caregiver classes are free of charge to all Oregon families across the state. Autism & IDD Collaborative Problem Solving classes are offered each quarter. To sign up for classes or get more information, please contact Riverview Center for Growth at 541-726-1465. 3995 Marcola Rd, Springfield, OR 97477. This program is available state-wide as well as specifically to families of Autistic children including those who are nonspeaking.
For Children
Sensory Storytime Live! from Multnomah County Libraries, held on Tuesdays from 3:30 – 4:00 pm. “This preschool storytime is especially welcoming for children on the autism spectrum and families who are looking for a more adaptive virtual storytime experience.” Free, but need to register for the Zoom link. To view the calendar and register for sessions go to LINK. For more information, please see the Multnomah County Library webpage.
Sensory Storytime at Multnomah County Libraries, held on Saturdays from 11:15 – 12:45 pm at the Capitol Hill Library and Gregory Heights Library. Each storytime includes a hands-on activity. Free. To view the calendar, please see the Multnomah County Library webpage.
Game Night – Sponsored by Oregon Family Support Network. Meets the 4th Friday of each month (except November and December), from 6:30-9:30 pm, at 909 NE 30th Ave, Portland. Off 30th and Sandy, bus line #12. “For families, youth and young adults with special needs and the people who support them. All children must be with an adult, and all adults must be with a child. Pizza & drinks are provided. Bring a potluck item to share & $5 donation.
Oaks Park Sensory Skate. Every Wednesday from 10-11:30 AM during our Chipper’s Preschool Skate session. Starting in January of 2024 we will be offering a sensory-sensitive skating time for kids 10 and younger and their families each. Music volumes will be reduced, disco lights turned off, and a quiet sensory play space will be provided. Information and ticketing can be found at LINK HERE.
Mimi’s Pequenos Exploradores, Childcare for siblings of children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, age 8-15. English & Spanish speaking. Meets in Milwaukie on Saturdays. Cost: $10. Scholarships are available through Sibshops or ASO. Contact Mimi at 503-964-2904 or mimispequenosexplorradores@gmail.com. See more info at LINK.
For Grandparents & Other Relatives
Grandparents and Other Relatives Raising Children Support Group – Meets the 1st Monday of the month, from 10:00-11:00am at the Charles Jordan Community Center, 9009 N. Foss, Portland. Please join us for a support group for Grandparents and other relatives (such as aunts and uncles) raising and parenting children. The group is for those who were most likely not expecting to be raising children at this time in their lives. Call 503-288-8303 for more information.
Grandparent Support Group – Meets on the 1st Tuesday of the month at 10-11 am & the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7-8 pm. “We cover topics such as boundaries, trauma, parenting, grief, and more. Grandparents and other caregivers of relative children are welcome.” Online at LINK. Phone: +1 314-666-1828 PIN: 291 586 204# Presented by Oregon Kinship Navigator.
Oregon Grandparents and Relatives Raising Kids Facebook Group “This is a private group for relative caregivers in Oregon. Ask questions, find resources, and connect with other Grandparent and relative caregivers throughout the state.”
FOR Teens & Adults (with or without an ASD diagnosis)
ClubEMU (Everyone, Me & You) Club Everyone, Me and U is a nonprofit organization for neurodivergent individuals, ages 16+ , with the exception of our all-ages Game Club. We provide welcoming social activities “where you can be a friend and make a friend with acceptance, understanding, and kindness”. We provide 6-9 activities each month such as our weekly Clubhouse Nights, Taco Tuesdays, All-ages Game Club, and Hiking Club. We also usually have one weekend activity per month with activities such as bowling, farm visits, kayaking, dances and more. All our activities with the exception of Game Club do require registration. For more information about us you can visit our website at (click), or see our events registration at LINK HERE. For questions, contact info@clubemu.org.
Portland Autistics Social Club- We will get together weekly, usually at a coffee shop, a counter service restaurant, a library, community center, just to hang out and talk about whatever we feel like. The group is for independent autistics 18 and up. We are open to self-diagnosed, peer confirmed members as well as those diagnosed by a professional diagnostician. We are a social group with an emphasis on making friends, and talking about the things that only we really get. LINK HERE
(Hybrid) Portland Circle of Rainbow Brains – Meetup times vary. Many events happen spontaneously and are planned in the Slack workspace, and many events are virtual. See the Events page on Meetup at LINK HERE for times of planned events and see the Slack workspace for spontaneous events. This group is a place for neurodivergent adults in Portland, Oregon to find other neurodivergent adults with whom to hang out and have fun. This is an LGBTQIA2S+ -safe space. Self-diagnosis is valid: “If you think you belong here (and you are at least 18 years old), you do.” Group page at LINK HERE.
We do not currently have the bandwidth to respond to new members or questions. Sorry. Adult Asperger and Autism Portland Support Group (SE Portland)- Meets on the 2nd Sunday of each month, Portland, OR. The longest running peer run adult support group. The focus is on adults and adult interactions. Ages 18 plus. Members range from 18 to retirement age. For more information go to the website to fill out the group contact form. A volunteer will contact you. www.aasapdx.org.
NAMI Multnomah– NAMI Multnomah is the Multnomah County affiliate for the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for people with mental health conditions and their families through support, education, and advocacy. NAMI hosts support groups, including walking groups, writing groups & more. To see all of our events, see our Events Calendar here.
Club Impact (SE Portland) Club Impact is a social club for young adults with disabilities and meets every Monday night from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the SE Multicultural Service Center. Participants are welcome to drop by as often as they wish for all or part of a session. For more information, call Ralph Gilliam at 503-453-6412.
NEW! Deaf Autism and Friends (various locations). This support group is for Deaf-Autism persons and their friends/family supporters. Come join us for social time and “support topic”. The group is team-lead by two Deaf-Autism members, a Deaf counselor, and a Hearing Life Skills coach. Language: ASL (non-signing family members are welcome, please RSVP to request voice interpreting). ”Cost: $5. For more information on meeting dates and locations, please contact: OR.Deaf.Autism@gmail.com
Edwards Center – has been serving adults with developmental disabilities for over 40 years. They have special events, socialization and recreation classes for any individual 18 or older with a developmental disability. They can coordinate transportation for a small fee. Monday – Friday: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm. Two locations: Aloha Community Center, 4375 SW Edwards Place, Aloha, OR 97006 (503) 642-1581 and Milwaukie Center, 4287 SE International Way, Suite A, Milwaukie, OR 97222 (503) 653-2381
Fire Circle (Youth 14-18) & (Young adult 18-26) . FIRE: Family, Independence, Relationships and Empowerment. Fire Circle, is a therapeutic group that sparks conversations among youth who identify as being on the Autism Spectrum. The group is led by Kimberly Zeszutek, LPC and creates space for youth to process presented topics while intentionally cultivating peer support and social skills. Six weeks meeting via Telehealth! – Adolescents meeting Wednesday 5pm-6:20pm. Young Adult meeting Thursday 10am-11:20am. Call 503-558-6809 to register. Group Fee: $240.00 for the total 6 weeks/$40.00 per session.
“Off the Couch Events” (NE Portland) Meets the 3rd Friday of each month from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm. $7 for participant, companion(1) is free. Activity Night is a socialization opportunity for differently abled young adults age 18 and over in a non-competitive, hostile free environment. Events held in Gethsemane Lutheran Church 11560 SE Market St, Portland, OR 97216. For more information, call 503-702-2394. or click here for email. If you would like to visit the Facebook page click here.
Pacific NW Adult Support (Portland) An informal social/support group for adults. These meetings are usually scheduled on the weekend of the 1st Saturday of the month. Locations vary, but mainly in the Portland Metro area. Send and email if you are interested, state your availability and how far you can travel, put ASP in subject line (srsr12@yahoo.com or ksab96@hotmail.com). See website for more details.
U Say Hello (Portland metro area) Empowering young adults with special needs to establish social connections, independently manage their social lives and get together to change the world. (Age range: 15-26) For more information call 503-453-0005 or visit their Facebook page linked here.
HOME SCHOOLING SUPPORT
Homeschooling in Oregon: Talk with OHEN Support and sharing ideas for homeschooling all kids in Oregon, statewide.
ASDHomeschoolersPDX – A small group just for those with kids on the spectrum in the greater Portland area. Ask questions, get help!
Video: “So You’ve Decided to Homeschool, Now What?“ billed as a “crash course” on homeschooling, with general information provided in a video format. Facebook groups – just a few – there are many more!
Oregon Home Education Network (OHEN): 503-893-2744. From their webpage, “OHEN supports families with critical information, resources, helpful suggestions, and words of encouragement from homeschool families and professionals in Oregon. We encourage you to explore all possibilities with a view toward developing your own learning philosophy and homeschooling style. This website will provide the information you need to be a successful homeschooling family in Oregon.”
ASDHomeschoolersPDX.com – A web site with lots of information on how to homeschool your ASD child in the Portland area (or anywhere in Oregon). Homeschool methods, pros and cons, Oregon laws, curriculum ideas, how to get started for any age. With links to many, many resources.
Autism & Homeschooling: A private group on Facebook that is “available to everyone who is interested in home educating kids on the autism spectrum. We are here to help and to share, to motivate and to encourage. This group is inclusive and not affiliated with any religion, philosophy or political ideology.” Not limited to Oregon.