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 autismsocietyiowa@gmail.com.

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 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

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

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

 

SIOUXLAND/TRI-STATE AREA

 

SOUTHERN IOWA

Centerville: Autism Support Group

  • What: New support group for individuals and families in the Centerville and surrounding communities effected by autism.
  • When: First meeting will be held October 24th at 7:00pm at the Assembly of God church in Centerville.
  • Contact: Angela Brockus, ajb279@gmail.com