Support Groups, Activities, and Events

for Adults & Teens with Asperger's or Similar Autism Spectrum and Neurodiverse Profiles

December 7, 2021

All AANE programming is currently online (with the exception of some LifeNet programs, local MeetUp programs, and special events listed) and registration is required. Blue text links to further information and registration pages. The following terms indicate the event's structure and intended audience.

"Open" programs may have different participants joining from session to session.
"Closed" programs have the same participants for a set number of sessions.
LOCAL [City, State] programs are intended for those living in the vicinity of the indicated area. If LOCAL is not indicated, the program is available to those living anywhere.

For programs that require a fee, financial assistance is available and no one will be turned away for the inability to pay. To inquire about financial assistance or for general inquiries, please email events@aane.org.

AANE Annual Appeal

Featured Events

NEW Webinar: How to Find Public Benefits for Adults with Asperger/Autism in Any State January 18

Info Session: LifeMAP One-to-One Coaching Program January 20

NEW Chat with AANE Executive Director January 25

Social Activities + Events

FREE Online "Open" Activities and Events

Meetup (Science + Technology Discussion) December 9, December 16

Meetup (Modern + Ancient Science, Philosophy, and Consciousness Discussion) December 9, December 16

Netflix Watch Party "Titanic" December 9

Knitting and Needlecraft Social Group December 12

Virtual Game Night December 13, December 27

Virtual Book Club "Flowers for Algernon" by Daniel Keys December 14

Social/Game night (formerly Fitchburg, MA) December 22

Social/Game Night (formerly Holyoke, MA) December 23

Social/Game Night (formerly Westwood, MA) January 3

Social/Game Night (formerly Springfield, MA) January 5

FREE LOCAL "Open" Activities and Events

In-Person: Outdoor Enthusiasts Club December 11, December 18

Online: Framingham, MA Social/Game Night December 20

Online: Salem, MA Social/Game Night January 6

Registration for additional closed interest groups will begin on a rolling basis. If you want to receive early notification when groups are forming, please fill out the form linked below based upon your age:

Adults (18+)

Connection + Support

Adults + Teens

FREE Community Connection Sessions

Adults December 14

FREE Online "Open" Support Groups

Adults (formerly Brentwood, NY) December 11
Adults (formerly Westwood, MA) December 20, January 10
Gay Men (formerly Boston, MA) December 20, January 3
Adults (formerly Manhattan, NY) rescheduled December 16
Adults (formerly Providence, RI) December 22
Adults 50+ (formerly Watertown, MA) January 3
Women (18-35) (formerly Watertown, MA) January 4
Gender Identity for Adults This group is for post-high school adults on or near the spectrum who identify as transgender, non-binary, gender-fluid, and/or who are questioning their gender identity or gender roles. No autism diagnosis or certainty about gender required. Led by an autistic/trans peer facilitator. January 6
*NEW* Adults 50+ January 14

FREE Online LOCAL "Open" Support Groups

Danvers, MA - Adults December 16
Florence, MA - Adults December 19, January 2
Watertown, MA - Gender Identity for Adults This group is for post-high school adults on or near the spectrum who identify as transgender, non-binary, gender-fluid, and/or who are questioning their gender identity or gender roles. No autism diagnosis or certainty about gender required. Led by an autistic/trans peer facilitator. December 21
Watertown, MA - Women December 22
Portland, ME - Adults January 8

FREE ONLINE PROGRAMMING

Online "Closed" Groups

Social/Support Group for Trans, Non-Binary, and Gender Expansive Teens (14-19) begins January 4
Social/Support Group for Teens (17-19) begins January 4
Support Group for Adults begins January 7 (2 spots left)
Social/Support Group for Teens (14-16) begins January 24
Social/Support Group for Teen Artists and Makers (14-19) begins January 31

Registration for additional closed social/support groups will begin on a rolling basis. If you want to receive early notification when groups are forming, please fill out the form linked below based upon your age:

Teens (14-19)
Adults (18+)

Neurodiverse Couples/Partners

Click to join a supportive online community moderated by AANE staff

FREE Spouse/Partner in a Neurodiverse Relationship Online Forum
FREE Co-Parenting with an Ex-Spouse/Partner with Asperger's Online Forum
Couples/Partners Social + Support Groups
101 for Couples A Self-Paced Online Course for Neurodiverse Couples

ALL SUPPORT GROUPS + ONLINE FORUMS

AANE Training

Many healthcare providers are recognizing their need for continuing education to better serve their autistic patients. One article references a survey conducted by Kaiser Permanente that identified 79% of those in adult medicine rated their "knowledge and skill in providing care to adults with autism" as "poor or fair." AANE facilitates individualized seminars that offer healthcare providers practical strategies to create neuro-inclusive healthcare settings. See how AANE can help and learn more about AANE Training.

Scholarship Fund for the United States

The Daniel Braun Memorial Camp and Recreation Activities Scholarship Fund for Adults

Thanks to the generous support of the Daniel Braun Memorial Camp and Recreational Activities Scholarship Fund, AANE is pleased to provide financial assistance for a limited number of adults who need help paying for services. Learn more.