If you have Autism Spectrum Disorder or know someone who does, here is a list of organizations, programs, and groups specifically geared towards adults with Autism. Through them, you can access useful information, connect with experts, discover employment opportunities, find support groups, acquire up to date research findings, talk with others like yourself who are seeking answers to a particular question, and explore ways of becoming active in the Autism Spectrum Disorder community.
These are among the most well-known organizations, but if you know of others that you find useful please let me know and I will post an updated list at some point in the near future.
Some of these organizations refer to themselves as dealing with autism. In fact, they all provide information about, and support for, adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Asperger’s Association of New England
One of the largest organizations in the US devoted to Asperger’s Syndrome (Autism Spectrum Disorder), AANE provides support groups, conferences, seminars, workshops and online resources to promote awareness and acceptance for adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder and those who support them.
Autism Spectrum Disorder and High Functioning Autism Association (AHA)
Based in New York, AHA provides monthly support groups, educational presentations, conferences and online resources for individuals on the autism spectrum, their families, professionals and others. The focus of AHA is to encourage awareness and support for those on the spectrum.
Wrong Planet
Wrong Planet is an online community for individuals, parents and professionals concerned about Autism Spectrum Disorder and those on the autism spectrum. Wrong Planet provides a discussion forum, articles, blogs and other resources to promote communication and awareness.
Advancing Futures for Adults with Autism
http://www.afaa-us.org/
AFAA is a US-based consortium of organizations working to promote public and private sector help for policy initiatives to support individuals with autism, including adults, and their families. Their website provides information on research, programs, and services for adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
US Autism Association
An organization of professionals in the field of Autism whose mission is to support the community of autism through a yearly conference in the US, a newsletter, scholarships and financial aid, online resources, and other endeavors.
Chat for Adults with High Functioning Autism
http://www.adultaspergerschat.com/
An online blog, chat room, newsletter, and resource center for adults with high-functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks provides tools and information for adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder, including networking groups, housing support information, educational resources, research information, family services, advocacy programs and online information.
OASIS@MAAP
Online Asperger Syndrome (Autism Spectrum Disorder) Information and Support (OASIS) together with MAAP Services for Autism Spectrum Disorder is a resource center for families, individuals, and professionals who deal with the challenges of Autism Spectrum Disorder and related conditions. Their website provides articles, educational resources, links to local, national and international support groups, resources for professional help, conference information, recommended readings, and message boards.
Global and Regional Asperger Syndrome Partnership (GRASP)
GRASP, the Global and Regional Asperger Syndrome (Autism Spectrum Disorder) Partnership, is the largest educational and advocacy organization in the world serving adults who are diagnosed along the autism spectrum. GASP provides an educational clearinghouse, online support groups, and blogs. As an Asperger’s organization, GRASP is unique in that 100% of the Advisory Board and 50% of the Board of Directors all must be diagnosed on the autism spectrum.
Families of Adults Affected by Asperger’s Syndrome
The mission of this group is to provide support to family members of adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. They offer articles, research materials, information on Autism Spectrum Disorder specialists and support centers, and a bulletin board for members.
LOCAL AND REGIONAL SUPPORT GROUPS
Below is a list of peer-run support groups focused on adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder:
Adult Autism Coalition for Education Networking and Development (San Francisco, CA)
http://www.aascend.org/
Autism Society of Western New York
http://www.autismwny.org/support.aspx
Milwaukee area
http://www.namigrm.org/#!support/c1b08
Autism Society of Illinois
http://www.autismillinois.org/resources/support-groups/support-groups/
Portland Adult Asperger Support Group
GRASP Support Group Chicago
Alaska Support Group
http://www.sesa.org/pub/AARC/AARCSSSGF0312.pdf
The Asperger Adults of Greater Washington (DC)
Autism Society of San Francisco Bay Area
