ASO Region 7
Serving Lane County
Chapter Representatives:
Amber Perry (Eugene/Springfield)
Mary-Minn Sirag (Eugene/Springfield)
Kimberly Howell (Florence)
If you have a question, comment, or concern that you’d like to share with your Region 7 Reps, please give us a call at 503-636-1676, or click here to send an email to ASO.
ASO-Sponsored Support Groups – In Person Meetings:
For All Ages
Social Skills Class (meets in person in Eugene). Free! For autistic adults of any age. Meetings are from 6:30 – 8:00pm in Eugene on the 3rd Monday of each odd-numbered month (in person and outdoors, weather permitting). At these meetings, the group chooses an activity for the following even-numbered month. More information is on the KindTree/Autism Rocks website at LINK. This group is taught by Doris Germain. Co-sponsored by KindTree/Autism Rocks. For more information, including the location of the meeting, please text or call Mary-Minn at 541-799-4438, or email her at LINK.
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.
Not Sponsored by ASO:
Other Support Groups & Activities:
Family Connections: First Tuesdays from 6pm to 7pm. Meets in person at 72A Centennial Loop, Suite 150 Eugene OR. Are you a parent or caregiver of a child experiencing emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges? Join us in a safe, welcoming space where families come together to share, listen, and support one another through life’s ups and downs. This is a place for honest conversations in a judgment-free environment, where you’ll find encouragement from others who truly understand. You’ll also gain access to helpful resources and tips for navigating services and systems, and most importantly, a sense of hope, empowerment, and community. All caregivers are welcome—parents, grandparents, foster parents, and more. Contact OFSN at 503-363-8068 or ofsn.org.
Friends on the Spectrum- This group is for children 6-12 with ASD to connect with one another, have fun, make new friends, and have new experiences. Let’s build community within families and safe spaces to connect together. Disclaimer: This group is not led by professionals but rather the parents of an amazing, kind, unique 8 year old. This is a non-religious or affiliated group. This group is all inclusive of every gender identity and expression, orientation, race, and family dynamic. This group has a zero tolerance policy around bullying, inappropriate language, or abuse of the inclusivity standards. *All attendees must be accompanied by a guardian* Sign up at LINK HERE.
Coffee Connection – Support Group for parents. Enjoy coffee, snacks and good company! Every Tuesday morning, 10:00 am-11:30 am. Oregon Family Support Network (OFSN) office, 72 A Centennial Loop, #150, Eugene. Contact debrad@ofsn.net and jasont@ofsn.net or call (541) 342-2876.
OFSN Parent’s Night Out Respite- Happens in Eugene on the Last Wednesday of the Month. For children ages 3 and up. Enjoy your night out while we watch your children. RSVP Required. For questions & to RSVP, contact 503-363-8068. For Trillium & PacificSource Families in Lane County only.
Trillium and PacificSource Families in Lane County – Parent’s Night Out: Join us every last Thursday of the month from 5-7pm giving parents a little break! Registration is required. Register at LINK HERE. Contact Debra Depew at 541-653-6759 or debrad@ofns.net.
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.
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 Bridging Communities. Para español: (541) 690-8542 – info@bcoregon.org. Meets the 2nd Wednesday of every month, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm over Zoom.
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: meet.google.com/swz-uorx-jkj 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 https://forms.gle/gmY4VGo1YAgqtDvk7.
KindTree – Autism Rocks:
Every Friday Social via Zoom – Hosted by KindTree. For adults and transition-aged youth from 4:30 to 6:30 pm on Zoom. Hosted by Tim Mueller. For more information call: 541-780-6950. LINK HERE
Social Skills Discussion Group with Mary-Minn – 3rd Monday of every odd month from 6:30 to 8 pm, with an outing in the Community on even months. I hope we can continue to participate in lively discussions on various aspects of socializing and sociability as we gather together again. This group will meet at the Eugene Hilyard Community Center, 2580 Hilyard St, Eugene, OR 97405. For information, contact Mary-Minn at maryminnsirag@gmail.com or 541-799-4438.
Eugene Peer Support Group: 2nd Monday of every month from 4:00 to 5:30 pm via ZOOM and in-person. Contact momogrosso@kindtree.org for in-person access. Check calendar event page linked here for Zoom access.
Artist Guild – Last Saturday of every month at 10am. These meetings are hosted by guest artists with open discussions on a variety of topics such as marketing ideas, creative processes, best materials for specific projects, etc. This program provides support for artists based on their requested need and want. Happens via Zoom. Email art@kindtree.org for the access code.
Parenting Series– With Mary Ann Winter-Messiers, PhD. Providing guidance in the challenges of raising a child on the Autism Spectrum. Limited to 8 participants, registration is required, Free, and free child care. If you would like to be put on the waiting list, call the office at 541-345-0805.
Specialized Advocacy (Eugene)- Specialized Advocacy provides the opportunity to build independent living skills, social skills, and appropriate support for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We offer a variety of fun group activities in the community: bowling group, cooking group, craft group, women’s group. See our website Specialized Advocacy or call (541)684-3961.
Finding Your Voice (Eugene)- Offered to anyone identifying as having a disability seeking support. Meets every Wednesday from 1:00-2:00 pm at LILA (Lane Independent Living Alliance) at the True North Conference Room: 20 East 13th Avenue, Eugene, OR 97401. Call (541) 607-7020 for info or http://www.lilaoregon.org/programs.html
Riverview Center for Growth (Springfield)- Classes at Level 1 cover the basics of Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS), an exciting, research based approach to parenting. Level 2 meets focuses on applying CPS to everyday family situations. Classes are free of charge to families. Children participate in their own problem-solving class. Childcare is available if needed. To sign up for classes or get more information, please contact the intake Office at the Riverview Center for Growth at 541-726-1465. 3995 Marcola Rd, Springfield, OR 97477
Lane Kids- has parenting information, activities to do with your kids and connect to resources across Lane County. www.lanekids.org