ASO Region 6
Coronavirus Update: All in-person events and activities sponsored by ASO are suspended during the state of emergency. Some groups are continuing to meet on-line, as noted below. Please contact each group directly for more information.
Serving Clackamas, Hood River, Multnomah & Wasco counties
Chapter Representatives:
Lori Ball: (503) 636-1676 (Multnomah and Clackamas counties)
Dori Fenech: (929) 422-9830 (Clackamas county – Habla Espanol)
If you have a question, comment, or concern that you’d like to share with your Region 6 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:
New! Friendship Group for Autistic Kids (suggested ages/developmental range: 7-13): Meets every Monday from 6:00pm – 6:45pm. A place to meet, get to know each other, be silly, explore common interests, and make friends. This group is meeting online, but we hope to have in person meetings too as circumstances permit. To register and get a Zoom link, please go to LINK.
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.
Not meeting during the summer. Resumes in September 2022. 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 (in Pendleton) – Free! This group is meeting in person on the 4th Monday of each month from 5:30-7:00 pm. For more information, click to send an email to Winnie.
Other Support Groups & Activities
For Parents
AWE (AWEtism We Embrace) meets the 3rd Tuesday of every month, from 6:30 – 8:30 pm via Zoom. AWE is a group for adults (18 and older) for those on AND off the spectrum. No diagnosis is required. Each participant, no matter where they are in their journey, shares an interest in forming an environment of mutual respect to gain fresh outlooks. This creates better tools to understand our situations, our loved ones and ourselves. This group supports and respects members in their individual paths toward acceptance no matter where they are on the “human spectrum.” To get on the listserv, or to obtain the Zoom link for meetings, please email Shasti McLaughlin at shastim@autismempowerment.org or text 503-781-2461.
OFSN (Oregon Family Support Network) Support Group for Parents of Gender Non-Conforming Kids and Teens. Every Thursday at 6:30 pm. Meets by Zoom. Let’s build a community and grow in the trauma informed group. Join other parents and guardians in this empowering group meant to support each other through the joy and struggle that parenting a gender non conforming child can be in this world. Learn and share resources and self care strategies. Call 503-983-3519 or email katherinef@ofsn.net.
CHADD Parent Support Group (SW Portland) – Meets on the 2nd Thursday of every month, at 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm, at Providence St. Vincent Hospital, 9205 SW Barnes Rd, Portland, OR 97225. Open to parents, grandparents, teachers or other caregivers of children affected by ADHD. For more information contact the local coordinator Glenn at bgericksen@comcast.com.
“Talk it Over” Family Support Group (Portland): “If your child is struggling with a mental or behavioral health challenge or is abusing substances, please visit our support group and get that help you need”. Now meeting online. For more information, contact Margaret Puckette at 503-737-9971 or raisingtroubledkids@comcast.net
On-Line Communities
ASO – Autism Society of Oregon – Business Page. Open Facebook group where we post information about events and items of state-wide interest related to autism. Click here to access.
ASO – Autism Society of Oregon – Group Page. Private Facebook group. From the group description: “The ASO Facebook page is a place to share information about non-commercial autism and autism-related events occurring in Oregon and SW Washington.” Click here for more information on joining this group.
Oregon Parents of Children on the Autism Spectrum. Private Facebook group. From the group description: “A group for parents looking to connect with other local [Portland area] parents to support one another in the daily joys and struggles of having a child on the autism spectrum.” Click here for more information on joining this group.
Oregon Teen and Adult Disability and Advocacy Group. Private Facebook group. From the group description: “This group was formed with the intent to bring together cross disability discussions with a focus for teens and adults. Those who are caregivers, parents, differently abled and other family members are encouraged to find resources here.” Click here for more information on joining this group.
PAN – Portland Aspergers Network Private Facebook group. From the group description: “We assist families with youth and teens mildly affected by Autism, PDD-NOS and an umbrella of autism spectrum disorders. PAN’s Facebook page is for friendly, respectful discussion of issues related to autism.” Click here for more information about joining this group.
PAM – Portland Autist and Allied Moms (formerly known as Portland Autism Moms) – Private Facebook group. Mission Statement: “A group that respects Neurodiversity and provides support, understanding and connection to our community of MOMS with autistic children who live in the Portland/Vancouver Metro areas. We strive to be respectful at all times to the autistic community while recognizing the need to provide moms support.” If interested please request to join by sending an email to: PortlandAutismMoms@gmail.com
PAP – Portland Autism Parents (PAP) – Private Facebook group. From the group description: “Open to all caregivers of people on the autism spectrum in the Portland, OR area.” Click here for more information about joining this group.
PDX Autistic Adults – Private Facebook group. From the group description: “This group is aimed at Portland, OR area adults who on the Autism spectrum. This page is open to any adult on the spectrum regardless of race, religion, and LGBTQ+” Click here for more information about joining this group.
SEPTOP-Special Education PTO of Portland. Private Facebook group. From the group description: “Founded by families raising children (K-12) who experience varying disabilities in the Portland Public School District, This group is open to parents, teachers, and other community members who are interested in improving the education of students with disabilities.” Click here for more information about joining this group.
For Children
Sensory Storytime Live! from Multnomah County Libraries, held on Tuesdays from 3:30 – 4:00 pm. “This preschool storytime is especially welcoming for children on the autism spectrum and families who are looking for a more adaptive virtual storytime experience.” Free, but need to register for the Zoom link. To register for sessions through June 21, 2022, go to LINK. For more information, please see the Multnomah County Library webpage.
For Grandparents & Other Relative
Grandparents and Other Relatives Raising & Parenting Children (SE Portland), held the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month, from 10:30am-12:00pm, at the Impact NW – Multicultural Service Center, in the Upper Conference Room, 4610 SE Belmont Street, Portland, OR 97215. “A support group for Grandparents and other relatives (such as aunts and uncles) raising and parenting children. The group is for those who were most likely not expecting to be raising children at this time in their lives. Understanding the stress and finding proper ways to deal with it is vital for our own emotional and physical health as well as for the health of your children.” For more information, contact for Lisa P. Heard, 503-988-6300 ext. 28316 or email at lheard@impactnw.org
Grandparents and Other Relatives Raising Children Support Group – Meets the 1st Monday of the month, from 10:00-11:00am at the Charles Jordan Community Center, 9009 N. Foss, Portland. Please join us for a support group for Grandparents and other relatives (such as aunts and uncles) raising and parenting children. The group is for those who were most likely not expecting to be raising children at this time in their lives. Call 503-288-8303 for more information.
FOR Teens & Adults (with or without an ASD diagnosis)
Adult Asperger and Autism Portland Support Group (SE Portland)- Meets on the 2nd Sunday of each month, Portland, OR. The longest running peer run adult support group. The focus is on adults and adult interactions. Ages 18 plus. Members range from 18 to retirement age. For more information go to the website to fill out the group contact form. A volunteer will contact you. www.aasapdx.org.
Assistive Technology – The group is run by young adults who use Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC) and their support people. The AT Lab provides a safe, relaxing place to let everyone’s communication tools hang out with no pressure or judgement to perform on cue. The group is also hoping to empower others who use AAC, and to inform businesses about what it means to be alternative communication friendly. If you would like to learn more about AAC, please stop by the AT Lab during drop-in Open Hours, every Thursday from 12-5pm. Community Vision AT Lab, 2475 SE Ladd Ave, Portland OR 97214
ClubEMU (Everyone, Me & You) This is an activity group for teens and adults (recommended age 16 – adult, but all welcome) for all abilities. “Where you can be a friend and make a friend; with acceptance, understanding, and kindness.” Find out about monthly social events including Taco Tuesdays, TGIF meetings, R.A.O.K. Craft Nights, and special activities, on their Facebook page (click), or contact by email at clubemu@yahoo.com.
Club Impact (SE Portland) Currently meeting online. For more information, call Ralph Gilliam at 503-453-6412 or click here to email.
Dorks on Parade – A social group by and for autistic adults 18+, runs monthly events: a coffeehouse chat group on the third Saturday of the month, New Seasons get together the last Sunday of the month, and a Westside meet-up the second Wednesday of the month. DoP also plans other activities such as movie nights and museum outings. If you are on the autism spectrum and are interested in receiving event announcements, please join the Meetup group at: http://www.meetup.com/Dorks-on-Parade-A-Social-Group-for-Portland-Autistic-Adults/
Edwards Center – has been serving adults with developmental disabilities for over 40 years. They have special events, socialization and recreation classes for any individual 18 or older with a developmental disability. They can coordinate transportation for a small fee. Monday – Friday: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm. Two locations: Aloha Community Center, 4375 SW Edwards Place, Aloha, OR 97006 (503) 642-1581 and Milwaukie Center, 4287 SE International Way, Suite A, Milwaukie, OR 97222 (503) 653-2381
Fire Circle (Youth 14-18) & (Young adult 19 – 23) . FIRE: Family, Independence, Relationships and Empowerment. Fire Circle, is a therapeutic group that sparks conversations among youth who identify as being on the Autism Spectrum. The group is led by Kimberly Zeszutek, LPC and creates space for youth to process presented topics while intentionally cultivating peer support and social skills. Six weeks meeting on Tuesday evenings at 6:30 pm – 7:50 pm/8pm. Location: Tabor Space, Portland OR 97215. Call 503-558-6809 to register. Group Fee: $180.00 for the total 6 weeks/$30.00 per session.
“Off the Couch Events” (NE Portland) Meets the 3rd Friday of each month from 7:00-9:00 pm. $7 for participant, companion(1) is free. Activity Night is a socialization opportunity for differently abled young adults age 18 and over in a non-competitive, hostile free environment. St. Charles Catholic Church, 5310 NE 42nd, Portland, OR. For more information, call 503-702-2394. or click here for email. If you would like to visit the Facebook page click here
Meeting Virtually! Oregon Family Support Network: Journaling in times of COVID-19. Every Wednesday at 11 am. This a journaling support group and workshop to help those looking to build community in these uncertain times of isolation. Join us to doodle, write, vent and share. Call or email to register: 503-983-3519, email katherinef@ofsn.net
Pacific NW Adult Support (Portland) An informal social/support group for adults. These meetings are usually scheduled on the weekend of the 1st Saturday of the month. Location vary, but mainly in the Portland Metro area. Send and email if you are interested, state your availability and how far you can travel, put ASP in subject line (srsr12@yahoo.com or ksab96@hotmail.com). See website for more details. These links are the same webpage, on different servers. If the first link fails, please try the next link: http://members.tripod.com/~srsr1212/pnwgroupsummary.htm or http://srsr1212.tripod.com/autismasperger.htm
U Say Hello (Portland metro area) Empowering young adults with special needs to establish social connections, independently manage their social lives and get together to change the world. (Age range: 15-26) For more information call 503-453-0005 or visit their FaceBook page.
HOME SCHOOLING SUPPORT
- ASDHomeschoolersPDX.com – A web site with lots of information on how to homeschool your ASD child in the Portland area (or anywhere in Oregon). Homeschool methods, pros and cons, Oregon laws, curriculum ideas, how to get started for any age. With links to many, many resources.
- Oregon Home Education Network (OHEN): 503-893-2744. From their webpage, “OHEN supports families with critical information, resources, helpful suggestions, and words of encouragement from homeschool families and professionals in Oregon. We encourage you to explore all possibilities with a view toward developing your own learning philosophy and homeschooling style. This website will provide the information you need to be a successful homeschooling family in Oregon.”
- Video: “So You’ve Decided to Homeschool, Now What?“ billed as a “crash course” on homeschooling, with general information provided in a video format.
Facebook groups – just a few – there are many more! - ASDHomeschoolersPDX – A small group just for those with kids on the spectrum in the greater Portland area. Ask questions, get help!
- Homeschooling in Oregon: Talk with OHEN Support and sharing ideas for homeschooling all kids in Oregon, statewide.
- Homeschooling Autism: A private group on Facebook that works to provide a “space where parents who Homeschool their Kiddos on the Spectrum could come together and share ideas and find Support.” Not limited to Oregon.