ASO Region 8
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 Clatsop, Columbia Tillamook & Washington counties
Chapter Representatives
Connie Gunn (503) 438-0709 (Columbia County)
Lori Ball (503) 636-1676 (Washington County)
If you have a question, comment, or concern that you’d like to share with your Region 8 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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 1:00–2:30pm. 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
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:
For Children
Game Night (Hillsboro) – Sponsored by Oregon Family Support Network. Meets the 4th Friday of each month (except November and December), from 6:30-9:30 pm, at 909 NE 30th Ave, Portland. Off 30th and Sandy, bus line #12. “For families, youth and young adults with special needs and the people who support them. All children must be with an adult, and all adults must be with a child. Pizza & drinks are provided. Bring a potluck item to share & $5 donation.
Sensory Night at Pump It Up, 9665 SW Allen Blvd, Suite 110, Beaverton, OR 97005, (503) 644-6488. On the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm. Bounce, Jump and Slide in their indoor inflatable party and play zone. $5 per child. No charge for Parents. This night and time reserved for children with special needs and their siblings only. For more information, click here.
Sensory Playgroup – Meets the first Sunday of each month from 2-3pm at the Beaverton Library, Storytime Room. 12375 SW 5th St., Beaverton. Ages 3-8 with family.
Sensory Saturdays at Spectra Gym, 8344 SW Nimbus Avenue, Beaverton, OR 97008, phone: 503-754-9794. Open Saturdays, 9am – 12:00 noon and Mondays 9:30 am – 11:30 am. $10 per child. All inclusive open gym, open to the public for open play. For more information, click here to email.
Sensory Sundays at OGA Gym, 16305 NW Bethany Ct. Suite 109, Beaverton, Oregon 97006; (503) 531-3409. Open on Sundays 9:00– 11:00 am, $5 per child who is a member and non-members $10. Sensory Sundays are an open gym time exclusively for families of children affected by sensory processing disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Attention Deficit Disorder, or any other disabilities. During this event, the gym is reserved exclusively for these children and families. Come share quality time with your family, and promote sensory integration while bouncing, climbing, and jumping at OGA. Meet other families experiencing similar challenges and make new friends in a safe and fun environment. For more information, click here or e-mail.
Special Needs Jump at Sky High Sports, 11131 SW Greenburg Rd, Tigard, OR 97223, (503) 924-5867. On every Tuesday, from 3:00-6:00 pm for $5 (all 3 hours), No charge for 1st Caregiver. Music is turned off. The facility remains open to the public. For more information, click here.
For Parents & Caregivers
ASD Family Support Group: When: First Thursday of each month, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Where: 52588 NE 2nd St., Scappoose OR * Adults only, no kiddos please, and bring a snack to share. Come to receive support, encouragement and help your family thrive with ASD! ● Each month is a different topic and discussion ● Planned Social Activities each month ● Trainings and workshops offered. Contact: Sharrie Kreins, Facilitator (503) 396-3361 Follow us on Facebook at: ASD Family Support Services.
Meeting Virtually! ASD Parents Support Group: Meets the first Thursday of each month, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., on Zoom. Potential participants should contact the office of Dr. Leslie Carter at frontdesk.ttc@outlook.com or call 503 206-5578 to get the link.
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.
WAM – Washington County Autism Moms – Private Facebook Group. From the group description: “This group i[s] for moms that have children on the autism spectrum AND live in Washington County in Portland Oregon.” Click here for more information about joining this group.
For Teens & Adults (with or without a diagnosis of ASD)
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
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 their Taco Tuesdays, TGIF, and R.A.O.K. Craft Nights, and more social events on their Facebook page (click), or contact by email at clubemu@yahoo.com
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:
Tea & Talk for SPD, HSP, & ASD Moms on the Westside (Forest Grove). Mondays noon to 1 pm. Neurodiversity is beautiful! Are you a mom who has a sensory processing disorder? Or are you a highly sensitive mom? Or are you a mom on the autism spectrum or within the broader autism phenotype? Tea & Talk for SPD, HSP, & ASD Moms on the Westside is an opportunity to make new friends, build community, and share challenges, strategies, and resources. RSVP; repeating monthly event capped at 10 people. $5 donation suggested. Childcare not provided. Hosted by Charlotte Lumae, M.Ed., 2328 Pacific Ave #200, Forest Grove, Oregon 97116; https://www.facebook.com/events/953388444850798/
Pacific NW Adult Support Group (Portland) An informal social/support group for adults. Meetings are usually scheduled on the 1st Saturday of the month. Locations vary, but mainly in the Portland Metro area. Send an email if you are interested, state your availability and how far you can travel, put ASP in subject line (srsr12@yahoo.com, ksab96@hotmail.com). See links for more details. If the first one doesn’t work, please try the next links: http://members.tripod.com/~srsr1212/pnwgroupsummary.htm or http://srsr1212.tripod.com/autismasperger.htm