Support Group for Gay Men
Are you a gay man in the AANE community? Have you ever wanted to share your thoughts and experiences with other Autistic gay men? Join us!
Are you a gay man in the AANE community? Have you ever wanted to share your thoughts and experiences with other Autistic gay men? Join us!
Join us for camaraderie and fun! We will be playing a variety of Jackbox games that we will select as a group! Most games fit about 8 participants, but are still a blast to watch! We rotate through both games and players to have a great time together!
This is our support group for Autistic people of color (18+). These spaces are peer-led and provide an opportunity for participants to explore how their multiple identities show up and address their specific needs, by sharing experiences and offering support to one another. We are running these meetings through the winter and then will determine the next steps for future programming based on interest and feedback.
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.
This multi-session 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. 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
February 11
February 25
March 11
March 25
April 8
April 22
May 6
May 20
This interest group is intended for post-high school adults who fulfill the player pre-requisites outlined below:
Participants need to have played Dungeons and Dragons before either at AANE or elsewhere.
They must also be familiar with character creation, general rules of D&D Edition 5, cooperation within a team, and following campaign rules and storyline.
Each participant is expected to attend all 8 meetings in order to help his/her team advance as far as possible in the campaign.
This interest series will be using a campaign selected by the Dungeon Masters. Participants must agree to follow the rules of the campaign at all times.
Because this is an interactive/collaborative game. Participants need to be able to participate fully in each game session.
Dates
February 11
February 25
March 11
March 25
April 1
April 15
May 6
May 20
A multi-session support group has the same group members (up to 12) for a set number of sessions (8). These 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 adults can talk with like-minded people, share issues and concerns, and celebrate successes. Common topics include: disclosure, self-advocacy, and relationships.
Dates
February 12
February 19
February 26
March 5
March 19
March 26
April 2
April 9
This support group is for Autistic adults (18+) who are post k-12. Through this support group, members can connect with a variety of participants on the topic of employment. Whether you’re currently working, looking for a job or recuperating from burn out, this group is a chance to receive support, share what works for you and learn from each other, on all things related to employment.
Come join other adults age 50+ with autism or similar Neurodiverse profiles in an atmosphere of support and understanding. The group meets on the second Friday of every month.
This group meets on the second Saturday of the month and is for individuals (ages 15-19) who are Autistic or who suspect they are. All AANE-facilitated support groups provide information, connection, and community where participants can share similar issues and concerns and celebrate successes. Groups are designed for the teens only – parents and other family members should not attend the groups.
This support group is for Autistic adults (18+) who are post k-12. Through this support group, members can connect with a variety of participants.
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
This support group is designed for Autistic women (40-60) looking to build an ongoing connection with a small community of other women. This multi-session 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
Advanced registration is required.