Support Groups
AZ ASSIST
AZ ASSIST, Inc. is a group of parents in the Greater Phoenix area who, through experience, are a wealth of information and eager to ASSIST each other through the process of our children growing up and away. Our mission is to provide education, strategies, and support related to transition into the community after high school to parents of teens and young adults on the autism spectrum and to provide transition education and create opportunities for social skill development for teens and young adults on the Autism Spectrum. Check calendar for meeting information.
Contact Information:
-Website: http://azassist.wetpaint.com/
-Email: azparentsupport@gmail.com
Crossroads Autism Ministry
Support group for people on the Autism Spectrum and Neurotypical people looking to connect in the East Valley. Contact group coordinator, Sam Bartlow, for more information at: circumstantialterror@yahoo.com
Autism Society of Greater Phoenix and ROK (Recovering Our Kids)
This support group meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month. Meeting format includes a breakout session for new parents and national and/or local speakers during the main session.
Contact Information:
- Meeting location: Coco’s at 4514 E Cactus Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85032-7702
- Current agenda: http://www.phxautism.org/meetings.html
-Contact Cynthia Macluskie at cynthia.marksmom@cox.net for further information.
Phoenix HFA
High Functioning Autism & Aspergers Family Support Network-Life issues in a supportive and tolerant environment for the Phoenix area.
Meets last Thursday of each month at Scottsdale Bible church, 7601 E Shea Blvd Rm E102. It follows the school year generally. See website for exact dates as they sometimes change.
Contact Information:
- Phone: (602) 225-0052
- Email: hfautism@cox.net
- Website: http://members.cox.net/hfautism
East Valley Parent Group: This group is for all parents of children with autism. Meets the first Tuesday of every month.
Contact information:
- Phone: (480) 632-5719
- Contact: Janet Kirwan
- Email: janet@autismcenter.org
- Meets: 1st Tuesday of each month
East Valley Autism Support Group for Spanish-Speakers: Group meets with experts from different fields related to autism. Group shares valuable information and offers support to families.
Contact information:
- Phone: (480) 831-1009
- Contact: Alberto Serpias
- Meets: 2nd Tuesday of each month
West Valley Autism Parent Support Group
Contact information:
- Phone: (623) 572-5289
- Contact: Shelly V.
- Email: shellyvin@cox.net
- Meets: 2nd Tuesday of each month from 7-9pm
- Location: New Life Community Church located at 8155 W Thunderbird Rd. Peoria AZ 85381.
West Side Autism Support Group Sponsored by Autism Society of Greater Phoenix
Contact Information:
- Phone: (480) 940-1093
- Contact: info@phxautism.org
- Where: Wee Care Corp., 12409 W. Indian School Rd. #C306, Avondale, AZ 85396 (East of Dysart on Indian School in the Indian School Crossings Building on the south side of the road).
Support Group for Adults with High-Functioning Autism/Asperger’s
Contact information:
- Tempe Contact: trish_crew@yahoo.com
- Phoenix Contact: Tom at (602) 340-8717
- Tuscon Contact: Newport at jwholphin48@aol.com, (520)770-1591
Asperger Parent Network: Resource for families and professionals in the Greater Phoenix Area. Monthly meetings, e-group and web site.
Contact information:
- Webpage: http://www.apn.150m.com/
- Phone: 480-759-6329
- Contact: Carolyn Warden
Council for Jews with Special Needs: Provides a range of services.
Contact information:
- Address: 12701 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 205 Scottsdale, AZ 85254
- Webpage: http://www.cjsn.org/
- Phone: (480)-629-5343
- Email: info@cjsn.org
Ask Now Arizona Special Kids Network of Women: A support group for women with special needs children to get together and discuss many topics including therapies, treatments, school, camps and more.
Contact information:
- Webpage: http://www.ask-now.net/
- Phone: 480-296-3714
- Meets: 1st Wednesday of the month, 7pm, Scottsdale Healthcare Shea Hospital Conference Center.
- Email: kimrinehart@cox.net
Fountain Hills, In Teaching Our Unique Children (FH-InTOUCH): A support group for parents and caregivers of special needs children living in Fountain Hills.
Contact information:
- Meets: Monthly, time and day to be determined for this next school year
- Email: deninis@cox.net, crlavoie@cox.net
Fragile X Society of Arizona: Provides information on Fragile X.
Contact information:
- Address: 3418 W. Lucia Drive Phoenix, AZ 85085
- Phone: (623) 587-7580/(602) 502-4765
- Email: azfragilex@gmail.com
- Webpage: www.fragilex.org/html/arizona.htm
E.V.A.N. (East Valley Autism Network) formerly S.A.N.E. (Supporting Autism Now through Education)
Contact information:
- Address: Gilbert, AZ 85296
- Phone: (480) 782-8960
- Email: wridetribe@cox.net
MEN…MEET AUTISM, is an informal gathering of men who
have someone in their life affected by autism. Fathers,
grandfathers, adult siblings, friends of somone with autism
come together in a laid back setting and autism is usually
the forefront of most conversations.
Meeting Information:
- When: 3rd Thursday of Every Month
- Time: 7pm
- Place: Big City BBQ in Mesa (north of US 60 @ Alma School)
- Contact: Jason Geroux 480-748-8620
Email mensgroup@arizonaautismsupport.org to get on the monthly email reminder list
Dads 4 Special Kids: A network of support, resources and encouragement by men caring for children with special needs.
Contact information:
Phone: (602) 909-5463
Contact: Ray Morris-Email: ray@dads4specialkids.com
SARRC’s Grandparents Group: Informational group focused on educating grandparents of children with autism. Discussion-based group meets monthly to learn from experts on autism and volunteer.
Contact information:
Phone: (602) 340-8717
Contact: Kathy Bosco
Yuma Autism Support Group
-Address: 399 West 32nd Street, Yuma, AZ 85364
-Webpage: www.autismyuma.cfsites.org
-Meeting Information: We generally meet the first Wednesday of every month from 6-8pm at the YRMC Corporate Center located at 399 West 32nd Street in Yuma, Az (beween Mervyn’s and Spragues). Please visit our site for more details and exact dates.
-Email: Contact: Gwen Conner
GANE, Grupo de apoyo para nios especiales (West Valley)
-Address: 7102 W. Thomas Road, Suite 105, Phoenix, AZ 85323
-Phone: (623) 478-7277
-Website: www.phxautism.org/groups.html
-Contact: Gabriela Orozco
Sib Support: Support group for parents of children with special needs as well as neurotypical children; opportunities for siblings to get together at recreational events.
-Website: www.sibsupport.com
-Contact: Larissa Beckstead, Co-Founder of Sibs Support
Connecting, Learning, and Special Education Support (Ahwatukee, Chandler, Tempe) CLASS ACT Support Group
Do you have a child with special needs? Are you looking for support and local information about schools, therapists, and social
interactions for your child? Come join other parents of special needs children for support, information, and networking.
-Meetings: 1st Tuesday of every month at 7pm
-Address: Melissa Shahʼs House, 16041 S. 27th Street Phoenix, AZ 85048 (near Chandler Blvd and 28th Street)
-Contact: Melissa Shah
I am looking for a support group in Northern Arizona- Prescott/Prescott Valley area.
We do have a support group that meets in Flagstaff at the NAU campus. If you are interested, there is a meeting this Thursday, June 18, starting at 6:00 p.m. You can find directions and information at http://nazasa.org
Hi Kimberly,
I co-facilitate a Asperger’s Support group in Prescott AZ. We meet at the VA Center (theater building) the first Wednesday of every month from 6-8 PM. We have all ages, guest speakers, sharing, potluck, fun activities…
Call me and I would love to tell you more about our group. #443-8463
I am attempting to start a Yavapai County focused ASD group on yahoo, but it’s silent thusfar.
That aside, I’ve yet to find much of anything myself.
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/YavapaiASD/
HELLO!!! MY DAUGHTER WHO JUST TURNED 5 WAS DIAGNOSED WITH ASPERGERS SYNDROME (AUSTIM), AND I AM LOOKING FOR A SUPPORT GROUP HERE IN THE AREA SENSE I HAVE NO KNOWLEDGE OF WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD…..AND THIS IS VERY STRESSING FOR ME TO FIND OUT WHAT IS WWRONG WITH MY DAUGHTER VALENTINA.
THANKS,
Hi Vivian,
There are several support groups that are located around the state. Asperger Parent Network is one located in Phoenix, as well North Phoenix High-Functioning Autism/Asperger’s Family Network. Visit this link on our website for more information: http://www.azautism.org/resource-center/support-groups/
I wish you and Valentina the best!
Hi Melissa,
I would like to join your support group (CLASS ACT) but work every Tuesday in the evening. I live in Chandler near Germann and Alma School Rd. Is there any other meeting times that you have that might accommodate me?
Thanks,
Uzo McHetz
480 272-6818
Hello,
I have forwarded your question on to Melissa. Thank you for your inquiry!
Hi,
I’m looking for a social support group for my high functioning 17 yo son. Any ideas?
Hi,
I am looking for a support group near 18 Maryland ave phoenix 85015.
Here are two groups that meet on the west side:
West Valley Autism Parent Support Group
Contact information:
- Phone: (623) 572-5289
- Contact: Shelly V.
- Email: shellyvin@cox.net
- Meets: 2nd Tuesday of each month from 7-9pm
- Location: New Life Community Church located at 8155 W Thunderbird Rd. Peoria AZ 85381.
West Side Autism Support Group Sponsored by Autism Society of Greater Phoenix
Contact Information:
- Phone: (480) 940-1093
- Contact: info@phxautism.org
- Where: Wee Care Corp., 12409 W. Indian School Rd. #C306, Avondale, AZ 85396 (East of Dysart on Indian School in the Indian School Crossings Building on the south side of the road).
Hi, I am wondering where I would fit best..I have a 9 year old son diagnosed PDD-NOS..I have tried Autism groups and cannot relate to the challenges faced by these parents since my child is high-functioning..any suggestions??
Hello Melody,
There is a group in North Phoenix dedicated to high-functioning children and their families. It is called Phoenix High Functioning Autism: http://www.phoenixautism.com/. Check out their website and feel free to contact them directly with questions. Hope this helps you!
My 3-yr old son was diagnosed 2 weeks ago with Autism. He was originally diagnosed last year with SPD. He also has feeding issues (pureed foods only). I am looking for a local support group (Chandler/Tempe/Ahwatukee) area. I am also wondering about support group for my 12 1/2 year old daughter to help her understand what is happening with her youngest brother (I also have a 4 1/2 year old son) and what it means to be in a family with an autistic sibling….
Hi Priscilla,
You can check out our events page for a list of meetings that take place throughout the year. I would take a look at the Class ACT meeting. It is in the area you are looking for and the facilitator has a young child with ASD as well. Touchstone Behavioral Health has a family centered program that includes assistance for siblings. You can contact Elizabeth Rinaldo to learn more:
Elizabeth Rinaldo
FCAP Administrative Coordinator
Family Centered Autism Program
602-615-2204- Cell
602-732-4967- Office
elizabeth.rinaldo@touchstonebh.org
Hi,,im trying to get info on autism for a friend of mine she’s from Puerto Rico and she doesn’t speak english,but she wants to move to AZ seeking more help with her son,because in PR there’s almost nowhere to go,so if anybody can help me on this one,im in the west side,Phoenix,,,thx
Hello,
I have sent you an email and referred to one of our Spanish speaking members.
Hello, My son is 15 and last week was diagnosed with aspergers, we live in Mesa where can he go to meet others his age with Aspergers?
Thanks
Mary
My 6 yr old grandson has been diagnosed with high functioning autism. My son, his dad, is a single parent. Can you suggest the name of a support group in the Tucson area? Thank you.
Georgia
Thank you for contacting us. I would recommend your son contact the Autism Society of Greater Tucson. They meet on a monthly basis and can be a great support system for him and the rest of the family. Here is their information: http://209.200.89.252/search_site/chapter_detail.cfm?program_id=804
I have a 26 year old nephew who is a high fuctioning aspie, where can he find aspies his age to connect with?