Support Groups, Activities, and Events

for Autistic and Similar Neurodivergent Adults & Teens

August 2, 2022

All of AANE programming is currently online (with the exception of LifeNet, 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.

FAMILY & PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS + EVENTS

AANE's Fall 2022 Virtual Connections Conference

MORE INFORMATION + REGISTRATION

Featured Events

NEW Webinar: It’s Back-to-School Time, Are You and Your Autistic Child Ready? (includes information for teens and young adults in school) August 17

Online "Open" All About Grilling - A Cooking Workshop for Adults August 19

NUEVO Educación financiera de PwC: Prevención del fraude financiero - un taller para adultos (PwC Financial Literacy: Preventing Financial Fraud - A Workshop for Adults) Octubre 5

NEW Webinar: Detecting and Diagnosing Autism in Women October 6

Social Activities + Events

FREE Online "Open" Activities and Events

Virtual Game Night August 8, August 22
Virtual Book Club "The Left Hand of Darkness" by Ursula K. Le Guin August 9
*NEW* Queer Adults August 11
Meetup (Science + Technology Discussion) August 11, August 25
Meetup (Modern + Ancient Science, Philosphy, and Consciousness Discussion) August 11, August 25
Knitting and Needlecraft Social Group August 14
Social/Game Night (formerly Fitchburg, MA) August 24
HBO Max Watch Party "Bob's Burgers Movie" August 25
Social/Game Night (formerly Holyoke, MA) August 25
Social/Game Night (formerly Springfield, MA) September 7
Social/Game Night (formerly Westwood, MA) September 12

FREE LOCAL "Open" Activities and Events

Salem, MA: Social/Game Night August 4

In-Person: Outdoor Enthusiasts Club August 13, August 27

Framingham, MA Social/Game Night August 15

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+)

"Closed" Connection + Support

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+)

"Open" Connection + Support

FREE Community Connection Sessions

Adults September 6, October 4

FREE Online "Open" Support Groups

BIPOC Adults August 8, August 22
Men (18-30) August 9, August 23
Adults (formerly Brentwood, NY) August 13
Adults (formerly Westwood, MA) August 22, September 19
Women (formerly Manhattan, NY) August 23
Adults (formerly Providence, RI) August 24
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. September 1
Women (21-35) (formerly Watertown, MA) September 6
Adults (50+) September 9
Teens (15-19) (formerly Plainview, NY) September 10
Adults (50+) (formerly Watertown, MA) September 12
Gay Men (formerly Boston, MA) September 12
Adults September 13
Women (formerly Florence/Northampton, MA) October 19

FREE Online LOCAL "Open" Support Groups

Portland, ME - Adults August 6
Florence, MA - Adults August 7, August 21
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. August 16
Danvers, MA - Adult August 18
Watertown, MA - Women August 24

FREE ONLINE PROGRAMMING

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 Support + Coaching Groups
101 for Couples A Self-Paced Online Course for Neurodiverse Couples

ALL SUPPORT GROUPS + ONLINE FORUMS

AANE LifeMAP

Disclosing autism in the workplace can sometimes be a complicated choice. In her latest article, LifeMAP Associate Director and coach Jessica Cohen outlines the factors LifeMAP coaches frequently discuss with their clients as they consider this decision. LifeMAP coaches regularly support clients in numerous areas, including the client’s goals related to disclosure in the workplace.

Learn more about AANE's LifeMAP program

Scholarship Funds and Grants

AANE is pleased to provide financial assistance for a limited number of individuals and families who need a little help paying for recreational services thanks to the generous support of the:

Daniel Braun Scholarship Fund (for individuals age 14+ living in the United States)

Job Opportunities

AANE is currently seeking to fill the following positions:

Volunteer Opportunities

If you would like to apply to volunteer for any of these positions or in any other capacity, please email volunteer@aane.org and include the volunteer opportunity you would like to pursue in the subject line of your email along with a brief explanation of your interest and experience.

AANE is currently seeking to fill the following volunteer positions: