ASO Region 2
Coronavirus Update: Due to on-going restrictions, most in-person groups have been suspended or have moved to virtual meetings. Some groups are continuing to meet on-line and we’ve noted that where applicable. Since changes happen, please contact each group directly for up-to-date information.
Serving Crook, Deschutes, Gilliam, Harney, Jefferson, Sherman, and Wheeler counties; Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Counties
Chapter Representatives:
We are currently looking for volunteer chapter reps to help families in Region 2 with local supports. If you would be interested please contact info@autismsocietyoregon.org or call 503-636-1676 for more information.
If you have a question, comment, or concern that you’d like to share with us, please GIVE US A CALL or use the form at the bottom of this page to send us an email.
ASO-Sponsored Support Groups – Virtual Meetings:
These groups are currently meeting on-line:
Virtual Support Group Meeting for Parents: Meets 4th Saturday each month, from 10-11:30am. Free! Our on-line group for parents of children (birth-adult) on the autism spectrum living in Oregon meets on the 4th Saturday of each month from 10am – 11:30am. Facilitated by Barbara Avila, MS, of Synergy Autism Center. Cozy up with a morning beverage and your computer for the FREE on-line group for parents of autistic children living in Oregon. The group will look at a different topic each month including self-care, safety considerations, understanding your child’s processing, social engagement and challenging your child productively. To register and get a Zoom link, please go to LINK.
Autism Family Support Group (based in Durham/Tigard): Free! All families are welcome. Meets the 3rd Wednesday of the month during the school year from 6:00-7:00 pm. To register and get the Zoom link, please go to LINK.
Game Club (based in Forest Grove). Free! Meets virtually during the school year from Sept – May each year, on the 1st Friday of the month, from 5:00-7:00pm. Socially distanced outdoor activities also. For more information, click here for the Facebook page or click here to send an email to ForestGroveGameClub@gmail.com.
Grupo de Apoyo en Español- Reunión Virtual Mensual, 1er Martes de cada mes. 6:00-7:00 pm. Evento Gratuito. Propósitos del grupo: Información sobre Autismo y recursos disponibles; crear una red de apoyo para familias latinas; y oportunidad de interactuar con otros padres. Para registrarse o para tener más información envié un correo electrónico a MariaA@AutismSocietyOregon.org. Enlace para unirse via zoom https://tinyurl.com/GrupoenEspanol
“Happy Hour” for Adults on the autism spectrum (based in Medford). Free! This time is to chat, support each other and forge new friendships. Meetings are on the 2nd and 4th Friday of each month, from 7:30 – 8:30pm. For more details and a Zoom link to participate, click to send an email to the ASO office or call 503-636-1676.
Parent + Teen Online Social Group (online only) Free! This group is for autistic teens (ages 13-19) who need a supporter (parent or caregiver) to participate. The group meets on the 3rd Saturday of each month from 1:00 – 2:30 pm. The goal is to meet new people and make friends in a welcoming, supportive environment. To register and receive a Zoom link, please CLICK HERE
Social Skills Discussion Group (based in Eugene). Free! For autistic adults of any age. Meetings are on the 3rd Monday of each month from 6:30 – 8:00pm. Co-sponsored with KindTree/Autism Rocks. For more information, please text or call Mary-Minn at 541-799-4438, or email her at LINK.
Special Needs Families Connect (based in Pendleton) – Free! This group meets by Zoom on the 4th Monday of each month from 5:30-7:00 pm. For more information on virtual meetings, click to send an email to Winnie.
Teen and Young Women on the Autism Spectrum Friendship Group (based in Portland). Free! Meets on the 1st & 3th Sundays of each month, from 3:00-4:30pm. For female-identifying people on the autism spectrum, ages 18 and up, looking for an accepting environment in which to hangout with similar. Come chat, relax, or just chill. Participate in great discussions and/or activities (or not) of your choosing! For more information, please click here to send an email to Kim or call 503-312-3103.
Young Adult Social Group (based in Portland). Free! This is a peer-led group for young adults, ages 18-30, who have graduated from high school. We are sorry, but this group is not open to people under 18.) There are 2 group consultants who are there to provide a level of social safety by mediating conflict and supporting participants to make connections. NOT a skill building class. Meets 2nd Saturday and 3rd Monday of each month. For details, click to send an email to ASO, or call 503-636-1676.
Other Support Groups & Activities:
CODSN (Central Oregon Disability Support Network) has several support groups for anyone who experiences disability or their loved ones. For information, see www.CODSN.org. All activities are FREE. Support groups sponsored by CODSN include:
- Ladies Who Lunch
This is a time for moms and female caregivers to meet and chat. This group meets on the 3rd Thursday of the month at 11:30am – 1:00 pm at The Phoenix Restaurant, 549 NE Bellevue Dr, Bend, OR 97701 - Paul’s Club
Dads and male caregivers are a very important part of the “family unit” who need time out too! We have designed this time for meeting others, learning, and sharing resources that will help to strengthen your families and the bonds with your children who experience diverse abilities. Paul’s Club meets at Abby’s Pizza on 3rd St in Bend on the 1st Thursday of the month at 6pm. - Redmond Support Group:
An opportunity for families of children experiencing diverse abilities to meet for emotional support, sharing, and and occasional speaker. You are not alone, please join us and meet other families walking a similar path. Meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month, from 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm. Location: Kaleidoscope Center: 731 SW Highland Ave, Redmond OR 97756. Childcare available upon request. For more information contact Stephanie Widler at 541-497-3415 or through her email. - Warm Springs Parent Group
The 3rd Friday of each month parents and caregivers meet @ noon at Warm Springs Early Childhood Education Center. Lunch is provided.
Facilitator/Contact: dianna@codsn.org
OFSN (Oregon Family Support Network) All are welcome, but please RSVP at least 2 days prior to the event so they can plan for childcare and food. Contact Shannon Pugerude, (541) 213-4139 or email her at: shannonp@ofsn.net. Support groups sponsored by OFSN include:
- Bend Support Group
Family support, dinner & fun kids activities
October – May; 3rd Wednesday each month; 6 – 8 pm
1010 NW 14th St. Suite 100, Bend, OR 97703
FREE
Central Oregon Autism Movement (COAM):
- Monthly Moms Support Group – Meets the 2nd Friday of each month from 6 – 8 pm. Come join us for an evening of laughs and fun with moms who get how hard it can be to raise a child or adult with special needs. Make a little time for yourself and to be yourself. Location is different each month. Call Melissa Romo at 541-419-1064 or email her at melissar.coam@gmail.com.
- Sensory Friendly Swim Event – Meets 2nd Saturday of each month from 5:30 – 7:30 pm at Cascade Swim Center, Redmond. Free, with dinner provided. Please RSVP as space is limited. Call Melissa Romo at 541-419-1064 or email her at melissar.coam@gmail.com.
- On-line Support Group – Central Oregon Autism Moms. A private group on Facebook. “Come find support and friendship with women who understand the journey. We have moms and caregivers of children of all ages”. Contact them at https://www.facebook.com/CoAutismMovement/