• Multi-Session Support Group for Parents of Gender Diverse Adults & Teens (14+)

    Recurring
    Virtual

    This multi-session support group is designed for parents/family members of Autistic adults and teens with who are transgender or who are exploring or questioning their gender identity.

    Gender identity is distinct from sexual orientation or preference. Gender identity is one’s innermost concept of self as male, female, a blend of both or neither–how individuals perceive themselves and what they call themselves. Autistic individuals may be more likely to identify with a gender/s that is different than the sex assigned at birth. The intersection of these two identities is common, but not often talked about in the same space. When an adult child questions their gender identity parents are often initially overwhelmed by questions and concerns, and more questions may surface as their child continues on their journey. This is not a therapeutic support group.

    The group offers a combination of facilitated peer support and information for parents who are starting or continuing on this journey with their child. “Closed” support groups for parents have the same members (12) for a set number of sessions (8). These groups are ideal for parents who want to go beyond sharing their stories with newcomers each time at open support group meetings. Other adult family members, such as siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, or even close family friends can also join these groups. These closed support groups also let parents give voice to their concerns and frustrations and celebrate their victories. “Closed” support groups offer facilitated peer support for parents who are facing these and other challenges.

    Dates
    January 15
    January 29
    February 12
    February 26
    March 12
    March 26
    April 9
    April 23

    $180
  • Support Group for Fathers of Autistic Individuals

    Virtual

    Fathers’ Group is a place where fathers can share their experiences, support one another, and build their toolbox to parent more confidently. We will be having a good conversation over Zoom.

    Parenting can be demanding, frustrating, and at times stressful long after the child is grown. Autistic children can often have unique challenges. Parent Support Groups provide feedback, support, and perspective from peers on a variety of common issues. Groups are meant strictly for parents and do not include the Autistic child.

    $10
  • Multi-Session Support Group for Adults

    Recurring
    Virtual

    This 8-meeting support group is for Autistic adults (18+) who are post k-12. Through this group, members can build an ongoing connection with a small community. AANE support groups give members an opportunity to celebrate successes and support each other through difficulties. Common topics of discussion are:

    Masking/camouflaging
    Sensory sensitivities/overloads
    Relationships
    Self-care
    Disclosure
    Work/jobs
    Intersectionality
    Dates
    January 8
    January 15
    January 22
    January 29
    February 5
    February 12
    February 19
    February 26

    $100
  • Multi-Session Beginner Dungeons & Dragons Group for Adults

    Recurring
    Virtual

    Come learn the basics of tabletop roleplaying from an experienced Dungeon Master. During this 8 week campaign of Dungeons and Dragons using the D&D 2024 Handbook (to be released Sept 2024) you will be guided through an adventure that will introduce you to the gameplay and storytelling of the world’s most popular roleplaying game! This is a great way to get involved in a new hobby that will give you the skills and confidence to join games with more experienced players and open the doors to a huge community.

    No previous tabletop gaming experience required. Players will need to be able to use zoom, Roll 20 and D&D Beyond (websites), and install a browser extension (Beyond 20) with verbal and written directions. If you are unsure if this group is a good fit for you, or you are in need of specific accommodations, please email groups@aane.org.

    Please note that these dates are subject to fluctuation. You will have one set up 1:1 meeting with the facilitator and 7-8 group meetings of game play.

    Dates
    January 22
    January 29
    February 5
    February 12
    February 19
    February 26
    March 5
    March 12
    March 19

    $180
  • Multi-Session Support Group for Women (35-50)

    Recurring
    Virtual

    This multi-session support group is designed for Autistic women (35-50). Through this support group, women (35-50) can build an ongoing connection with a small community of other women. AANE “closed” support groups for women also give women an opportunity to voice their concerns and frustrations. It also lets them acknowledge hard-won and unexpected victories. Common topics of discussion are:

    Masking/camouflaging
    Sensory sensitivities/overloads
    Relationships
    Self-care
    Empathy
    Dates
    January 22
    January 29
    February 5
    February 12
    February 19
    February 26
    March 5
    March 12
    Masking/camouflaging
    Sensory sensitivities/overloads
    Relationships
    Self-care
    Empathy

    $100
  • Multi-Session Support Group for Adults

    Recurring
    Virtual

    A closed support group has the same group members (up to 12) for a set number of sessions (8). Closed support groups are ideal for adults who are looking for deeper connections and more extensive peer support from group members. For the best support group experience, closed group members should plan on attending all 8 meetings in the series. This group offers a safe environment where Autistic men can talk with like-minded people, share issues and concerns, and celebrate successes. Common topics include: disclosure, self-advocacy, and relationships.

    Dates
    January 9
    January 16
    January 23
    January 30
    February 6
    February 13
    February 20
    February 27

    $100
  • Touchpoints Training: The How of Child and Family Engagement (JAN2025)

    Recurring
    Virtual

    Touchpoints: The How of Child and Family Engagement is an intensive training program that introduces the Touchpoints Approach, which is an evidence-based approach to building strong family-child relationships from before birth through age 5. Participants who implement Touchpoints in their practice partner with families to lay the vital foundation for children’s early learning and healthy development.

    Course format: This course consists 28 training hours including six monthly one-hour virtual reflective practice sessions. Attendance is required at all live sessions, each of which is 4 hours long. Participants who complete the course will receive a certificate of attendance. This course is approved for 20.25 Continuing Education Credits for physicians, nurses, social workers, and psychologists. Learn more.

    Session Dates and Times: This course will take place on the following days @ 9 am – 1 pm ET / 6 – 10 am PT

    Tues 01/14/2025
    Thurs 01/16/2025
    Tues 01/21/2025
    Thurs 01/23/2025
    Tues 01/28/2025
    Thurs 01/30/2025
    What you will learn:

    Strategies for building partnerships with parents that promote family strengths
    A framework to understand why children’s behavior can sometimes be challenging and confusing
    Techniques for talking with families about child development concerns
    How to actively listen to families and collaboratively solve problems related to child development or a child-family relationship
    Number of participants: Minimum of 10 Maximum of 20

    $895
  • Online “Closed” Support Group for Women (40-60)

    Recurring

    This “closed” support group is designed for Autistic women (40-60) looking to build an ongoing connection with a small community of other women. This “closed” support group also gives women an opportunity to voice their concerns and frustrations and lets them acknowledge hard-won and unexpected victories. Common topics of discussion are:

    Masking/camouflaging
    Sensory sensitivities/overloads
    Relationships
    Self-care
    Empathy
    8 sessions. Advanced registration is required.

    $100
  • Multi-Session Support Group for Adults

    Recurring
    Virtual

    A closed support group has the same group members (up to 12) for a set number of sessions (8). Closed support groups are ideal for adults who are looking for deeper connections and more extensive peer support from group members. For the best support group experience, closed group members should plan on attending all 8 meetings in the series. This group offers a safe environment where adults on the spectrum can talk with like-minded people, share issues and concerns, and celebrate successes. Common topics include: disclosure, self-advocacy, and relationships

    Dates
    January 30
    February 6
    February 13
    February 20
    February 27
    March 6
    March 13
    March 20

    $100
  • Multi-Session Support Group for Parents of High School Teens

    Recurring
    Virtual

    This closed group is designed for parents and family members of Autistic high school teens. This group is limited to 15 participants for caregivers to connect with one another and share information.

    Dates
    January 9
    January 16
    January 23
    January 30
    February 6
    February 13
    February 20
    February 27

    $180
  • Multi-Session Small Group Employment Coaching for New Job Seekers

    Recurring
    Virtual

    If you are starting out on your search for a job or have been looking for some time and it’s all a bit intimidating and confusing for you, this coaching course could be just what you need to demystify the process.

    This practical coaching course will cover all aspects of job hunting by building your knowledge weekly, helping you identify action steps and supporting you to work through any worries or issues you face, with the help of a workbook. You will be provided with guidance, training, accountability and inspiration over 8 weeks to help you feel more confident about applying for, interviewing for, securing and keeping a job.

    Dates
    January 16
    January 23
    January 30
    February 6
    February 13
    February 20
    February 27
    March 6

    $150
  • Online “Closed” Support Group for Women (18-35)

    Recurring
    Virtual

    This “closed” support group is designed for Autistic women (18-35). Through this “closed” support group, women (18-35) can build an ongoing connection with a small group of other women. AANE “closed” support groups for women also give women an opportunity to voice their concerns and frustrations. It also lets them acknowledge hard-won and unexpected victories. Common topics of discussion are:

    Masking/camouflaging
    Sensory sensitivities/overloads
    Relationships
    Self-care
    Empathy

    $100