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Spectrum Events

Spectrum Events: Connecting, Educating, and Celebrating Diversity

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To find in-person events in your area, first use the map below to find out which region you are in.  Click on the drop-down menu for your region and click on “Find Events.”  The calendar will show which events are near you!

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Is there an autism-related event happening in your area?  Please add it to our calendar to get the word out!  You can also send us events that you would like to add to the calendar using our “Contact Us” page.

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Recurring

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

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
Recurring

Multi-Session Support Group for Parents of High School Teens

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
Recurring

Multi-Session Support Group for Parents of Adults (30+)

Virtual

This “closed” 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. “Closed” support groups are ideal for parents and other adult family caregivers who want to go beyond sharing their stories with newcomers each time at open 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 2
January 16
January 30
February 6
February 20
March 6
March 20
April 3

$180
Recurring

Multi-Session Support Group for Autistic Parents

Virtual

This is a Support Group for autistic adults who are parents. As an autistic individual, parenting brings with it a multitude of unique experiences and challenges. That’s why we’re here! Together we can share lived experiences and offer support to one another so we can grow and succeed in parenthood. Parents of all genders are welcome, whether your child is arriving soon, a toddler, in high school, or an adult themselves. This group is open to parents of all genders.

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

$100

Freeing the “Anxious Generation” From the Harms of a Phone-Based Childhood

Virtual

Gen Z is the first generation in history to go through puberty with portals in their pockets that call them away from the people nearby and into an alternative universe that is exciting, addictive, and unstable. Zach Rausch, lead researcher for the #1 New York Times bestseller The Anxious Generation, will argue that the decline of independence, responsibility, and free play in childhood and the rise of smartphone and social media use among adolescents is driving the youth mental health crisis that is impacting teens in nations all across the world. Drawing on research from numerous academic fields, he will provide concrete solutions that will help parents and teens to escape out of the social traps they find themselves in.

Learning Objectives
Critically review and analyze adolescent mental health trends to improve the quality of care for young people in treatment.
Better manage adolescent mental health struggles by incorporating collective action solutions that can reduce overprotection in the real world and underprotection online.
Evaluate causal claims related to the impact of digital technology on youth mental health.

$27.18

Recurring

Multi-Session Support Group for Parents of Transition Age Youth (18-22)

Virtual

This closed group is designed for parents and family members of Autistic transition-age youth (18-22). This group is limited to 15 participants for caregivers to connect with one another and share information.

Dates
January 7
January 14
January 21
January 28
February 4
February 11
February 18
February 25

$180
Recurring

Online “Closed” Support Group for Parents of Adults (23+)

This “closed” support group is for parents who have an Autistic adult child 23+ years of age. Other adult family caregivers may also register for this group. “Closed” support groups are ideal for parents and other adult family caregivers who want to go beyond sharing their stories with newcomers each time at open 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 employment 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?

8 week series. Advanced registration is required.

$180
Recurring

Multi-Session Support Group for Parents of High School Teens

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
Recurring

Multi-Session Support Group for Autistic Parents

Virtual

This is a Support Group for autistic adults who are parents. As an autistic individual, parenting brings with it a multitude of unique experiences and challenges. That’s why we’re here! Together we can share lived experiences and offer support to one another so we can grow and succeed in parenthood. Parents of all genders are welcome, whether your child is arriving soon, a toddler, in high school, or an adult themselves. This group is open to parents of all genders.

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

$100

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