• Parent Support Group – Parents of Children

    Recurring
    Spectrum Autism Support Center 2997 Main St, Duluth, GA, United States

    Spectrum hosts monthly parent meetings the first and second Thursday of each month featuring guest speakers who share their knowledge and expertise regarding a variety of topics related to the Autism Spectrum Disorder. First Thursday of the month meetings are offered Sept-May for parents of school age children. Breakout sessions are also offered for Dads, parents of preschoolers, and in Spanish only.

    Social Skills programs are offered at the same time for children ages 5-22. Childcare is offered for those under 5. Second Thursday of the month meetings are for parents of adults out of high school and for adults on the spectrum.

    Location: Spectrum Autism Support Center, 2997 Main St., Duluth, GA 30096

    Sesiones de Familia in Spanish via ZOOM twice a month. Email Mariana to be added to the list mariana.ortiz-padilla@georgialda.org

    Paula Schirmer, provides meeting content on the first Thursday, in person, in Spanish for Spanish speakers
    First Thursday of the month: Support group meeting for parents of children ages 22 and under with free social skills groups for ages 5-22 and childcare for under 5. Siblings welcome.

  • Autism Parent Coffee Tuesday

    Recurring
    Autism Hope Center 2000 Hamilton Road Ste B, Columbus, GA, United States

    Meet with other parents for resources and support! First and third Tuesday of every month.

    Free
  • Parent Support Group – Adults on the Spectrum

    Recurring
    Spectrum Autism Support Center 2997 Main St, Duluth, GA, United States

    Parent Support Group

    Spectrum hosts monthly parent meetings the first and second Thursday of each month featuring guest speakers who share their knowledge and expertise regarding a variety of topics related to the Autism Spectrum Disorder. First Thursday of the month meetings are offered Sept-May for parents of school age children. Breakout sessions are also offered for Dads, parents of preschoolers, and in Spanish only.

    Social Skills programs are offered at the same time for children ages 5-22. Childcare is offered for those under 5. Second Thursday of the month meetings are for parents of adults out of high school and for adults on the spectrum.

    Location: Spectrum Autism Support Center, 2997 Main St., Duluth, GA 30096

    Sesiones de Familia in Spanish via ZOOM twice a month. Email Mariana to be added to the list mariana.ortiz-padilla@georgialda.org

    Paula Schirmer, provides meeting content on the first Thursday, in person, in Spanish for Spanish speakers
    Second Thursday of the month: A support group meeting for parents of adults with autism over the age of 18 who are out of high school. Social Support group is offered for adults out of high school with higher ability level or Asperger's. No childcare is offered.

  • Understanding & Supporting Autistic Teens for Caregivers

    Parents often wonder how to motivate their Autistic teens, particularly how much to push them and how much to let their teens take the lead. This 90-minute workshop with time for Q&A will cover common challenges and support strategies. Parents of children and teens, clinicians, and educators are welcome to attend. Topics include

    A strengths-based overview of Autism in adolescence
    The intersection of stress, anxiety, and behavior
    Strategies for building connection and reducing tension
    Autism at school, including considerations for post-high school transition planning
    Advanced registration is required.

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

    Recurring

    This 8-session AANE support group is designed for parents and caregivers of Autistic (or similarly neurodivergent) teens (age 14+) and adults who also identify as LGBTQ+. In this small, welcoming group setting, participants will have the opportunity to share experiences, access valuable resources, and build meaningful connection with others navigating similar journeys. Each session offers a supportive space to explore the unique intersections of neurodivergence and LGBTQ+ identity, while providing guidance, insight, and a sense of community. Advanced registration is required.

    $180
  • Multi-Session Support Group for Parents of Adults (18-35)

    This multi-session group is designed for parents and family members of Autistic adults (18-35). This group is limited to 15 participants for caregivers to connect with one another and share information.

    Dates:

    January 13
    January 27
    February 10
    February 24
    March 10
    March 24
    April 14
    April 28

    Advanced registration is required.

    $180
  • Multi-Session Support Group for Parents of High School Teens

    This multi-session 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 15
    January 29
    February 12
    February 26
    March 12
    March 26
    April 16
    April 30

    Advanced registration is required.

    $180
  • Support Group for Parents of Adults (30+)

    This multi-session support group is for parents who have an Autistic adult child 30+ years of age. Other adult family caregivers may also register for this group. Multi-session support groups are ideal for parents and other adult family caregivers who want to go beyond sharing their stories with newcomers each time at single-session support group meetings.

    AANE support groups provide an opportunity for parents and family caregivers to voice their concerns and frustrations and celebrate hard-won and unexpected victories. Although each group will focus on different themes and questions, here are some of the most common ones:

    Now that your child is an adult, how do you support and/or parent without power?
    How do you keep the lines of communication open?
    How can you help the Autistic adult find and sustain work and live independently?
    How do you motivate them to expand their social network?
    What types of services have other families used and what were the results?
    How have other members tapped into health, income, housing, and other benefits?
    Dates

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

    Advanced registration is required.

    $180
  • 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

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

    Advanced registration is required.

    $180