ASO Region 4
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 Benton, Coos, Lincoln & Linn Counties
Chapter Representatives:
Martha Muirhead (541) 551-1289 (Coos county)
More chapter reps are needed for this region! If you’re interested in this volunteer position, please CLICK HERE to contact ASO by email or call 1-888-AUTISM-1 (toll-free)
If you have a question, comment, or concern that you’d like to share, please CALL 1-888-AUTISM-1 (toll-free), or CLICK HERE to use the contact form 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 – 2300 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.
Other Support Groups & Activities:
Albany Parent Group (Albany) – meets the 3rd Monday of each month at 7:00 pm at Elmer’s Restaurant in Albany. For more information, contact Kate Skinner at 541-908-2296 or labelleforme@yahoo.com
OFSN (Oregon Family Support Network) Support Groups: OFSN provides support, education, and advocacy for families raising children who experience mental health or behavioral challenges. They host support groups throughout the region where you can (a) connect with other parents, family members, and youth in a confidential and supportive setting; (b) get helpful information and exchange ideas with others, and (c) share your experiences, successes, and frustrations with others who understand your journey.
Each meeting includes a family dinner and an educational topic focusing on children’s mental health, behavioral challenges, autism, or developmental diversity. Speakers are followed by support group time for those who wish to stay and participate. Dinner and supervised children’s activities are provided at no cost. Newcomers are warmly welcomed!
Lincoln County: Contact Signe Miller at (541) 505 2511 or contact the statewide office at 503-363-8068, or see their website.
Waldport – Meets on the first Friday of each month from 6pm-8pm
Location: Crestview Heights School, 2750 S Crestline Drive, Waldport
Newport – Meets on the second Thursday of each month from 6pm-8pm
Location: Ocean Spray Family Center, 1039 NW Nye Street, Newport OR 97365
Toledo – Meets on the third Thursday of each month from 6pm-8pm
Location: Floweree Community Center at 321 SE 3rd Street, Toledo
Depoe Bay – Meets on the fourth Thursday of each month from 6pm- 8pm.
Location: Neighbors for Kids, 634 SE Hwy 101, Depoe Bay
Benton County: Contact Candy Arnold at (503) 983- 3348 or contact the statewide office at 503-363-8068, or see their website
Teen Social Group – Corvallis: Meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm. No meetings in July or August. For middle and high school students who experience autism. Friends and siblings are also welcome. Come and enjoy pizza, soda, and fun activities!
Location: Grace Lutheran Church, 435 NW 21st St, Corvallis, OR