• Support Group for Families of Autistic Adults

    This group meets one Sunday a month and is for parents, family members, and friends of Autistic individuals. Guest speakers are hosted every other month.

    Free
  • Support Group for Women

    This group is for those who identify as female. Discussions will focus on what it means to be an independent adult, sexuality, safety, mother/daughter relationships, managing anxiety and sensory issues associated with autism, work challenges and successes, being a woman on the autism spectrum, friendships and relationships.

    Free
  • Support Group for Women (50+)

    Join us monthly for an support group that offers Autistic women, age 50+ an opportunity to come together to explore issues such as:

    Receiving a diagnosis later in life
    Masking and Camouflaging
    Finding Support; Building and Maintaining Relationships
    Challenges Post Menopause; Decline of Executive Functioning
    Mid-Life Identity
    Managing Stress and Coping Strategies
    Self-Care

    $10
  • Workshop – Understanding Masking for Adults

    Join us for this 90-minute workshop on masking crafted for and by Autistic adults. We’ll unpack the pressures and motivations behind masking, explore its emotional impact, and touch on the nuanced gender differences. Learn more about the implications of consistently concealing Autistic traits and the quest for spaces where Autistic individuals can be their authentic selves. Connect with a community that understands the intricacies of living neurodivergent lives.

    $25
  • Workshop – Talking About Autism with Your Autistic Child for Parents of Children/Teens

    This 90-minute presentation discusses the when, how, and why of talking about Autism with your Autistic child or teen. Come learn concrete strategies for starting and continuing the conversation. We’ll cover how to use affirming language to support your child in their lifelong journey of understanding what Autism means for them. Topics include talking about a new diagnosis, identifying strengths and accommodation needs, encouraging self-advocacy, and the importance of Autistic and Neurodivergent representation.

    $25
  • Multi-Session Workshop – ALIVE for LGBTQIA+ Adults

    ALIVE is a two part online workshop for LGBTQIA+ Autistic adults. One part is an 8 week curriculum based workshop and the other is an 8 week support group experience. There is a three month break between the parts. Registration includes both parts (16 weeks.)
    ALIVE is rooted in a neurodiversity embracing perspective and is facilitated by an autistic adult and a non-autistic adult who work together. The curriculum provides education about the science of LGBTQIA+ mental health, community building, and more. Topics of discussion will include:

    -Creating Goals
    -Science of minority stress
    -Countering shame and guilt
    -Meaning and purpose
    -Building self-compassion
    -Positive coping in today’s world
    -Science of pride and affirmation
    -Holistic self-care
    -Managing rejection expectations
    -Healthy relationships and boundaries
    -Building a future worth living for

    ALIVE offers a safe and affirming envirnoment for Autistic adults to talk with like minded people, share issues and concerns and celebrate successes It also provides opportunities for participants to build ongoing connections with a small LGBTQIA+ community’
    Dates

    September 30
    October 7
    October 14
    October 21
    October 28
    November 4
    November 11
    November 18
    February 17
    February 24
    March 3
    March 10
    March 17
    March 24
    March 31
    April 7
    AANE can offer participants a reduced fee or free registration through the Jody Acford Memorial Fund. As long as space remains, no one requesting financial aid will be turned away. To request financial aid, send an email to events@aane.org.

    $150
  • Support Group for Parents/Caregivers of Autistic Individuals

    Join other parents of Autistic children of any age to share experiences, support one another, and build your toolbox to parent more confidently. We will be having a good conversation over Zoom. This group is facilitated by Bruce Sabian, who facilitated AANE’s Support Group for Fathers.

    $10
  • Multi-Session Support Group for Adults

    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

    September 30
    October 7
    October 14
    October 21
    October 28
    November 4
    November 11
    November 18
    AANE can offer participants a reduced fee or free registration through the Jody Acford Memorial Fund. As long as space remains, no one requesting financial aid will be turned away. To request financial aid, send an email to events@aane.org.

    $100
  • Open Arms Support Group – Parents, caretakers and special educators

    Open Arms Support Group – Parents, caretakers and special educators. Our next meeting is 9/30 at 8 PM EST. Topic: Would you like to advocate like a pro? Iris Nova(licensed special education teacher of over 26 years) Open arms, support groups/family coaching Fee: $25 per session. Register by 9/29 @8:00 PM EST Let’s grow our supportive community together! If the name or email is different on the payment form make note of that.

    $25
  • Multi-Session Support Group for Parents of Gender Diverse Adults & Teens (14+)

    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. 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 support groups also let parents give voice to their concerns and frustrations and celebrate their victories.

    Dates

    October 1
    October 15
    October 29
    November 12
    November 19
    December 3
    December 17

    $180
  • Support Group – Gender Identity for Adults

    This group always meets on the first Thursday of the month and is for post-high school Autistic adults who are interested in discussing and exploring their gender in a supportive setting. Most people who attend identify as transgender, nonbinary, and/or genderfluid, and some are questioning their gender identity or gender roles. Join us to share stories and perspectives, and to get support. No autism diagnosis or certainty about gender identity is required to attend. This is a safe place to explore intersecting identities.

    Free
  • Women on the Spectrum Social Support Group

    Recurring

    Spectrum has partnered with Emory School of Nursing in starting a Women Only Group for women ages 18 and up with HFA/Asperger's, focusing on sharing challenges and successes of transition, supporting one another, and building friendships for success. This group meets twice monthly via Zoom, first and 3rd Fridays. Contact Dr. Susan Brasher to be added to the email notification list and for an invitation to join the private FaceBook page (Emory PCORI Young Women on the Autism Spectrum Group) susan.n.brasher@emory.edu

    RSVP for the Women Only monthly virtual meeting. Meetings are held the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month, 5-6 pm.