Support Groups

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.

Autism Society of Iowa Support Group for Teens and Young Adults

What: The teen and young adult 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 hereto register to receive information on upcoming networking meetings.
Click hereto join the Self-Advocates FB group.
- Online support for self-advocates to discuss issues with other self-advocates throughout Iowa

Socially Anxious Hangout Group

Take a look at this social group meeting weekly in the Iowa City area! Check out their MeetUp link for more info. Click here for a printable flyer.

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

Ask Resource Center Virtual Support Group for Iowa Families of Individuals with Disabilities

What: Join parent mentors along with other parents and family members to share your lived experiences and collaborate with each other
When: Various dates (click here for upcoming dates and registration)
Where: Virtual
Contact info: ASK Resource Center, (800) 450-8667, info@askresource.org

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: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:childserve.org
Facebook:Click here for more information.

Des Moines Metro – Waukee: Fi and Friends

For information on upcoming meetings, visit the Fi and Friends FB page or website.

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 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.

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:autismqc.com
Facebook:Click here for more information.

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