ASO Region 1
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 Baker, Grant, Malheur, Morrow, Umatilla, Union and Wallowa Counties
Chapter Representatives:
Cassiopaia Smith (541) 910-1328 (Union County)
JulieKay Dudley (541) 562-6137 (Union & Baker Counties)
Sharyn Smith (541) 240-4064 (Umatilla County)
Winnie Burnett (541) 377-0790 (Umatilla County)
Heather Hert (541-212-6589 (Malheur County)
If you have a question, comment, or concern that you’d like to share with ASO Region 1 Reps, please give us a call, or use the form at the bottom of this page to send us an email.
Support Groups Sponsored by ASO:
Special Needs Families Connect (based in Pendleton) – 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 HERE to send an email to Winnie.
ASO-Sponsored 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 maryminnsirag@gmail.com.
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:
Online Support Group in Eastern Oregon: Eastern Oregon Autism Support. Here is the link: www.facebook.com/groups/EasternOregonAutismSupport. It is a closed group, so all members have to be approved. Invited to join are self-advocates, family members, and professionals in the field.
Children’s Museum of Eastern Oregon
Contact the Museum for more information
541-276-1066
400 S. Main St.
Pendleton, OR 97801
Pendleton Parks and Rec is offering “open gym” for Special Needs Families every Sunday from Noon-1:30pm free of charge! The Helen McCune Gym is located at 510 SW Dorion in Pendleton, and has a variety of equipment for people to use. (September 30 – December 16)