Free Programs
Connect with AANE through our many free programs and services for Autistic adults, family members, and professionals.
From a free introductory call or online contact with AANE staff to answer questions, to online discussion forums, to online Zoom community connections, and more, AANE invites you into our welcoming, supportive community.
*Current Grant Opportunity for FREE WorkMAP Boston-Area Employment Coaching
Eligible clients must be 18-35 years old, post-high school, identify as low or moderate income, and must reside in Boston*, Cambridge, Chelsea, Quincy, Randolph, or Somerville, MA.
WorkMAP provides coaching targeted specifically to employment-related goals. This service is made free through a grant from the Liberty Mutual Foundation. Clients are enrolled on a “first-come, first-served” basis until the grant money is spent.
Questions about autism or AANE’s services?
Schedule a call to speak with a member of AANE’s staff, or fill out a form to be contacted by email.
Receive emails on events, autism info, and Autistic perspectives.
Free Call with AANE Staff
We are available to answer your questions & concerns via phone or email and provide information and resources.
If you are looking for information on the two most common questions we receive, please read the articles seeking a diagnosis and finding a therapist before your appointment, as they may answer some of your questions and provide helpful background information.
Click below to schedule a free introductory call today!
Autistic or Similarly Neurodivergent Adult
Parent / Caregiver of Someone Age 23+
Parent / Caregiver of Someone up to Age 22
Spouse / Partner
Prefer to email? Please fill out a contact form for an email response.
Community Connections
Community Connections are online, 60-minute, single-session discussion groups and a great way to meet our staff and connect with the community for the first time.
Adults
Connect with other Autistic adults in a casual 60 minute online session facilitated by our experienced AANE staff. Ask questions, listen to others, join the community!
Parents of Children, Teens & Young Adults
Join our free online Community Connection Session to connect with other parents online. Sessions are facilitated by AANE' staff who know firsthand the need to maintain a balance for ourselves and our children when life brings the unexpected.
Discussion Forums
AANE’s FREE Online Google Group Discussion Forums are an opportunity to connect, share common experiences, and learn about valuable resources.
Click on the block to sign up for the online discussion forum you would like to join.
Parents of Adults (post high school)
Parents who are members of the discussion forum can gain feedback and perspective from peers on issues such as accessing services to help their adult child find employment, live independently, and connect socially.
Parents of Children
Join an active community of hundreds of parents across the U.S. in discussions about issues and concerns faced by many parents of Autistic children including dealing with schools, finding service providers, and facilitating your child's socialization.
Parents of Teens (through high school)
Parenting any teenager brings challenges but when autism is a part of the picture there are many concerns that only others facing the same situation can truly understand. Find support and suggestions from an active network of parents of teenagers on this forum.
Partners of Autistic Adults
This group, serving people from all over the world, is for individuals married to or in partnership with someone with an Autistic profile. Here you will have the opportunity to offer and receive support, to strategize, and to share experiences with others who might relate to your situation.
Ex-Partners of Autistic Adults
This group serves those who are divorced or separated from an autistic adult. Here you will have the opportunity to offer and receive support, to strategize, and to share experiences with others who might relate to your situation.
Support Groups
AANE offers several FREE Online Open, or single session, support groups for adults and family members of various ages and identities. Please click the button below to see all FREE groups that have space to register.
Women
A FREE group is offered for Women – the Online LOCAL Greater Boston Women's Support Group and the Open.
LGBTQ+
AANE offers this FREE support group for the LGBTQ+ community – the Online Open Gender Identity Support Group for Adults.
BIPOC
A FREE monthly Online BIPOC Support Group for Adults is available.
Adults over 50
A monthly FREE online group is a place for those over 50, to discuss a previously agreed to topic and share the unique concerns and issues that come with later awareness, in an atmosphere of support and understanding.
Families of Autistic Adults
This support group for parents, siblings, and grandparents of Autistic adults meets one Sunday a month online.
Workshops
These 90-minute, single-session workshops are a great way to learn some basics, meet our staff, and connect with the community for the first time.
Intro to Autism for Adults
This workshop is for Autistic adults to explore their understanding of autism through a neurological lens. We will discuss common misconceptions, the Autistic identity, and common Autistic traits, strengths, and challenges.
Intro to Autism for Caregivers
This workshop will address common misconceptions, investigate Autistic identity, and explore Autistic traits, strengths, and challenges and will provide insights into your child's neurotype, preparing you with an informed mindset for raising an Autistic child.
Artist Collaborative
The Artist Collaborative is an Autistic lead community that comes together once a month to create art, plan art shows, share latest creations, discuss artistic opportunities, art techniques, and share our experiences as Autistic artists. Over time, this group has become a community, and many members are now good friends.
Audience: Autistic Adults
Frequency: No online registration, monthly virtual meetings (Third Monday of each month). Periodic virtual and in-person “Art Meet Ups” to come together for an entire day of art making and socializing.
Cost: Free
Livestream: Infinity & Beyond
YouTube Livestream
Infinity & Beyond is AANE’s monthly YouTube livestream event hosted by Autistic AANE staff member Ryan W. With a new discussion topic each month, the livestream is a chance to engage and ask questions on issues relevant to the Autistic adult community. Subscribe to AANE’s YouTube Channel below to be notified of coming livestream events.
Audience: Autistic Adults
Group Type & Frequency: Open or single session, no sign up needed, monthly
Cost: FREE
Music
Berklee College of Music Lessons
The Berklee College of Music Institute for Accessible Art Education is generously offering free online group music lessons to Autistic adults and teens. These lessons allow up to 15 adult participants and 15 teen participants to explore and grow as independent and ensemble musicians using traditional instruments or digital instruments during practice and group lessons. Lessons will focus on note reading, technique, and recording as participants work to record music with their peers.
Audience: Autistic adults & Autistic teens
Group Type & Frequency: Closed or multi-session, 8 weekly sessions, twice a year
Cost: FREE
Outdoors
Local Boston and Southeastern, MA Outdoor Enthusiast Club
The AANE Outdoor Enthusiasts Club brings together Autisti adults in the Greater Boston and Southeastern, MA areas who share a love of the outdoors and are looking for opportunities to socialize and participate in fun outdoor adventures. Facilitated by Katie McClean, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, the group will organize fun and interesting outdoor activities.
A generous grant for the Garth Family Foundation helps fund the Local Greater Boston and Southeastern MA Outdoor Enthusiast Club.
Audience: Autistic Adults
Group Type & Frequency: Open or single-session, once a month
Cost: FREE
Related Programs
If these programs don’t seem right for you, check out other ways to connect to AANE.
Sign Up
Receive emails on events, autism info, and Autistic perspectives