ASO Region 3
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 Curry, Douglas, Jackson, Josephine, Klamath and Lake Counties
Chapter Representatives:
Rhonda Smerdon (541) 261-8357 (Jackson & Josephine counties)
Misty Suppah (541) 777-1187 (Douglas county)
If you have a question, comment, or concern that you’d like to share with ASO Region 3 Reps, 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:
“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.
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
Parent + Teen Online Social Group (online only) Free! This group is for autistic teens (ages 13-1) 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 younger than 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.
Online Support Groups Pages:
Southern Oregon Developmental Disability Group for Parents. The group is set up for members only and is private. This is a collection of parents, caregivers, doctors, nurses, therapists, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and any other individuals that are in the lives of children up to the age of 18 that have any type of developmental disability. Click here for the page and to request to join.
ASO Facebook page, posting events and discussions of interest throughout Oregon. Click here for the ASO Facebook page.
Other Support Groups & Activities:
The Arc Jackson County’s Kid’s Club – Beginning July 14th, 2018! Every Second and Fourth Saturday 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. ROGUE VALLEY YMCA 522 W 6th Street, Medford. All participants must be between the ages of 5 — 17 and able to participate within a 1:5 ratio. Space is limited. Pre-registration required. If interested, please talk to your Developmental Disabilities Service Coordinator about the possibility of utilizing your attendant care hours for this program. For more program details you may call Kimberly, Program Coordinator at 541- 821-8764 or kimberly@thearcjackson.org
Autism Spectrum Support Group – (Medford) The primary focus is for adults and teens. Meetings are held once a month on the 2nd Sunday of the month from1:00-4:00 pm at the Smullen Center on the Rogue Valley Medical Center campus off Barnett Rd. in Medford, OR. Contact Janet Fletcher for more information at (541) 535-1790, e-mail janetfletcher@charter.net.
Self Advocates: Meets every second Tuesday of each month from 6:30pm-8:30pm normally. Location TBA. Contact Adrianna Richardson at 503-421-2035
Roseburg/Douglas County. Local Chapter of Square Pegs Adult Autism Support Group in Roseburg. It is not tied to a particular agency or organization. My group is for adults on (or near) the autism spectrum who are searching for a safe place. We welcome anyone who is interested in learning more about Autistic Adults. We are currently meeting in a library at a local retirement center. We meet every Tuesday at 7:30 pm at the Landing, A Retirement Community, which is located at 2490 Northwest Edenbower Boulevard in Roseburg. For additional information contact Shawn Sullivan. Email: shawnsawb@me.com Phone 206-696-5794.
Hosted by Bridging Communities
Parent Coffee – Medford: 1st Thursday of the month from 9:00 am – 11:00 am. Please come join Bridging Communities for coffee/tea and an opportunity to connect with other parents. Bridging Communities will be sharing information and resources that will help you better advocate for your child. Black Rock Northgate, 151 Rossanley Drive, Medford, Oregon. Contact Stacey Fields at stacy@bcoregon.org
Evening Support Group: 3rd Thursday of the month from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm. Need a break? Looking for support and resources? Want to talk with other parents with similar experiences? Join us! At Jefferson Spirits, Medford. For more information contact Stacey Fields at stacy@bcoregon.org