Support Groups

This is a list of support groups that meet throughout the state of Iowa. Please let us know if you have a support group to add or remove from our list. Email autism50ia@aol.com

 

Autism Society of Iowa Profound Autism FB Support Group

Are you the parent, guardian or caregiver of an individual with profound Autism? Join our new online FB group! Ask questions, gain resources and network with others! Click here to join!

 

Autism Society of Iowa Zoom Support Group for Parents/Caregivers

Click here to register for the Parent/Caregiver Support Group to receive information via email on upcoming Zoom meetings.
  • When: 2nd Monday of every month at 7:30 PM
  • Where: Zoom links will be sent to those registered prior to weekly meetings
  • Facilitator: Sue Askeland

Autism Society of Iowa Support Group for High School Students with Autism

  • What: The high school group meets to discuss issues, concerts, and to get to know either other socially
  • When: Wednesday Nights at 6:30 PM
  • Where:  Zoom links will be sent to those registered prior to weekly meetings
  • Facilitator: Sue Askeland
  • Click here for more information and to register for the group.

Autism Society of Iowa Adult Autism Networking Group

  • When: Last Sunday of every month at 6:30PM
  • Where: Zoom links will be sent to those registered prior to monthly meetings
  • Facilitator: Sue Askeland
  • Click here to register to receive information on upcoming networking meetings.
  • Click here to join the Self-Advocates FB group.
    • Online support for self-advocates to discuss issues with other self-advocates throughout Iowa

CENTRAL IOWA

Ames: Autism Support Group

  • What: This group was created as a place for family and friends of individuals with ASD in and around Ames, Iowa to gather and support one another.
  • Where: Axis ABA in Ames
  • Facebook: Click here for more information.

Des Moines Metro – Ankeny: Parent Support Group

  • What:  This group provides an opportunity for parents to meet to share ideas, experiences, resources, discuss a variety of topics related to raising a child with special needs, as well as benefit from the support of other families going through similar situations.
  • When: Second Tuesday of every month at 6:30-8:00 pm and are open to the public and free of cost
  • Where: Ankeny location
  • Website: www.axisaba.com

Des Moines Metro – Johnston: Sibling Support Group

  • What: Sibshop is a group geared towards 6-12 year old children that have a sibling with special needs. Each group session includes activities that focus on sharing of their experiences, active play and hands on therapeutic games and crafts.
  • When: Quarterly (July 30th, October 29th)
  • Where: ChildServe 5406 Merle Hay Road, Johnston
  • Website: www.childserve.org
  • Facebook: Click here for more information.

Des Moines Metro – Urbandale: Family & Educator Partnership (FEP) Support Group

  • What: A Parent/Guardian discussion group for families who have children birth through graduation with an IFSP, IEP or 504.  Families in the Johnston, West Des Moines, Urbandale, Saydel, Ankeny, Dallas Center-Grimes & Waukee districts will find support and networking with others who have similar experiences & challenges.  Families from other districts are welcome to join us!  Breakfast items available to purchase.
  • When: 3rd Thursdays of the month, during the school year, 9:30-11.00 a.m.
  • Where: The 100th Street Corner Cafe, 2731 100th St. Urbandale, IA
  • Website: Heartland AEA Family & Educator Partnership
  • Contact Info: Kari Paulsen via email kpaulsen@heartlandaea.org or via phone 515-270-9030.

Fort Dodge: Facing Autism Inc. Support Group

  • What: We are committed to helping the Fort Dodge area with raising Autism Awareness and Acceptance for individuals on the spectrum.  We plan events in the community for individuals with Autism and their families.  We are ALL inclusive so our events include ALL individuals with special needs.  Special needs is defined as having any physical, emotional, behavioral or learning impairment/disability that causes the child to need accommodations to participate. We also provide educational resources and meetings to promote awareness.
  • Website: Facing Autism

EASTERN IOWA

Cedar Falls, Waterloo & Surrounding Communities: Cedar Valley Autism Spectrum Community

  • What: Support group for individuals and parents of children with Asperger’s.
  • Where: Waterloo, Cedar Falls, Hudson, Waverly, & surrounding communities
  • Contact: Sunshine Fox asfox74@gmail.com
  • Facebook: Click here for more information.

Cedar Rapids: Cedar Rapids Autism Community

  • What: Coming together as a community to help each other find services, give advice, and support each other on this journey.
  • Facebook: Click here for more information.

Iowa City: ChildServe Support Groups

  • What: ChildServe Iowa City now has a diverse offering of support groups in order to address a variety of caregiver needs. All are free of charge and families do not need to participate in services at ChildServe to attend.
  • Where: 2350 Oakdale Blvd., Coralville, Iowa 
  • Website:  https://www.childserve.org
  • Facebook:  ChildServe – Iowa City for more information.

Iowa City: Grandparent Support Group

  • What: Join other grandparents as we explore how to support our autistic loved ones and each other.
  • When: 4th Tuesday of the month at 10am
  • Where: We meet via ZOOM. Please email Sue to get the link.
  • Contact Info: Sue at sueaskeland@yahoo.com

Iowa City: Southeastern Iowa GRASP (Global & Regional Asperger’s Syndrome Partnership)

  • Who: A community of adults with Aspergers/ASD who connected together to support each other, advocate, raise awareness and socialize. This is a support group by and for adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
  • When: 2nd & 4th Saturday of each month, 1:00-3:00p.m.
  • Where: Uptown Bill’s Coffee House, 730 S. Dubuque St., Iowa City, IA
  • Contact Info: Brian Bennett, bennbrian@gmail.com or southeastiowagrasp@gmail.com

Iowa City: The Iowa City Autism Community

  • What: Our primary focus is to promote understanding, acceptance and inclusion of autistic people. We have an active online community of members on Facebook, support an active online community for autistic adults, and host events in the community. We organize many gatherings such as field trips, autism-friendly swims, online workshops, sensory friendly library browsing hours and more.  check the calendar to stay up to date about upcoming social opportunities and events.
  • When: Check the calendar to stay up to date about upcoming social opportunities and events.
  • Website: http://autismiowacity.org

Quad Cities: Autism Society of the Quad Cities

  • What: The Autism Society of the Quad Cities provides information, education, support and advocacy in the Quad Cities and surrounding areas to maximize the potential of persons with autism and those affected by autism.
  • When: Click here for more information on support groups.
  • Website:  www.autismqc.com
  • Facebook: Click here for more information.

NORTHEASTERN IOWA

North Iowa Autism/Special Needs Parents Alliance

  • What: This group is designed to give parents of children with Autism a safe place to connect, share, and support each other. It will feature local events, encouragement, inspiration, and resources.
  • Facebook: Click here for more information.

NORTHWESTERN IOWA

Sioux Center: Siouxland Autism Support Group

  • What: Siouxland Autism Support Group mission is to Advocate, Educate, Support and Understand. We have many active members throughout the tri-state community.
  • When: Monthly meetings every month of the school year.
  • Where: AEA 4 Bldg., 1382 4th Ave., NE, Sioux Center
  • Facebook: Click here for more information.
  • Contact Info: Pam Megill, pmegill@AEA4.k12.ia.us or 1-800-572-5073

Spencer: Autism Spectrum Support Group 

  • What: Support group for parents and caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder. New members always welcome, casual/drop-in group. Daycare available with PRIOR arrangements, contact Carma. Very casual!
  • When: 3rd Monday of each month, 7:00-8:30p.m.
  • Where: Hope Reformed Church, 919 Grand Ave., Spencer, IA. (the corner of W 9th St & Grand Ave – across from Hy-Vee store.)
  • Facebook:  Autism Support Group – Spencer, IA
  • Contact Info: Carma Betz,  cjb6154@gmail.com, 712-260-6154 or Amy Allen, 712-240-0454

SOUTHEASTERN IOWA

Centerville- Autism Support Group

  • What: Virtual Support group for individuals and parents of children with ASD
  • Facebook:  Click here for more information.

Ft. Madison/Keokuk: Salute to Parents of ASD and Non-Typical Individuals

  • What: Organization that provides information and support to families of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) as well as non-typical individuals.
  • Website: ASD Salute to Parents
  • Contact Info: Christine Bowker – cj.king@live.com, 319-470-0407 or Shannon Tackes – sktackes@gmail.com, 319-670-9920

Mt. Pleasant: Our Special Kids

  • When: This support group meets a couple times of year,
  • Facebook: Click here for more information.
  • Contact Info:  Melanie, ourspecialkidsiowa@gmail.com, 319-931-5648

SOUTHWESTERN IOWA

Council Bluffs: Autism Support Group

  • What: We are a non-profit support group of families and educators of individuals on the autism spectrum in Council Bluffs, IA and the surrounding areas. We offer support to families, caregivers & individuals with the raising & educating a person with autism.
  • Website: http://cbautismsupport.com/
  • Facebook: Click here for more information.
  • Contact Info: cbautismgroup@gmail.com

Shenandoah: Southwest Iowa Autism Support Group

  • When: Second Tuesday (Sept. – May) of the month at 6 pm
  • Where: Shenandoah Library Basement
  • Facebook: Click here for more information.