Autism Support Groups: How to Find One Near You or Online

Please note: This guide is for general information only. It is not medical, legal or mental-health advice. A support group doesn't replace care from a qualified professional. If anyone is in immediate danger, call 911.

The quickest way to find an autism support group is to start with three free routes: your local Autism Society affiliate, your state's Parent to Parent program, and your state's federally funded Parent Center. All three connect families to local and online groups. Autistic adults can also look for autistic-led communities, such as those run by ASAN and AWN.

You don't have to find the "perfect" group on the first try. Many parents visit two or three before one feels right. That's normal.

How do I find an autism support group near me?

Try these in order. Each one is free to contact.

1. Your local Autism Society affiliate. The Autism Society lists its local and state affiliates, with contact details, on its Local Support page. It describes affiliates as offering information and referral, support, education, advocacy and community programs, and each affiliate shapes its programs around its own community. Call or email and ask, "Do you run parent groups, or can you point me to one?"
2. Parent to Parent. Parent to Parent USA helps you connect with a Parent to Parent program near you. These programs match you with another parent of a child with a disability, which can be easier than walking into a group of strangers.
3. Your state's Parent Center. The Center for Parent Information and Resources says there are nearly 100 Parent Training and Information Centers and Community Parent Resource Centers across the US and territories. They work with families of children and youth with disabilities from birth to 26. Find your Parent Center by state. Parent Centers are especially helpful if school and IEP questions are part of what you need support with.
4. Your state's family health network. Family Voices is a family-led national organization for children and youth with special health care needs or disabilities. Its network can help you find state family-to-family health information resources.
5. Ask the people already on your team. Your child's pediatrician, therapist, school special education staff or early intervention coordinator often know which local groups are active right now.

You can also browse the Autism Hearts directory of support groups and your state's page, like Texas, Arizona or Wisconsin, for local programs. Please call ahead. Meeting times and formats change often.

How to find a support group that fits your family

Groups are very different from one another. Before you go, it helps to know what you're looking for:

• Who is it for? Parents of newly diagnosed young children, parents of teens, dads, grandparents, siblings, or autistic adults themselves.
• What's the format? Sharing circles, guest speakers, family social events, or text-based chats.
• When and where? Evenings, weekends, in person, online, and whether childcare is available.
• Language. Ask whether meetings are offered in Spanish or another language your family uses.
• Who runs it? A trained facilitator, a volunteer parent, an autistic adult, or a provider. Groups run by a business may also promote that business's services. That isn't always a problem, but it's good to know.

Are there online autism support groups for parents?

Yes. Many Autism Society affiliates, Parent to Parent programs and Parent Centers offer virtual meetings or can point you to them. Online groups can work well if you live in a rural area, work odd hours, or can't easily find childcare.

When you join an online group, protect your child's privacy. Avoid sharing full names, school names, photos or medical details in public spaces. Also check whether the group has moderators and clear rules.

Where can autistic adults find support groups?

Autistic adults often prefer peer-led spaces, meaning groups run by and for autistic people. Good places to start:

• Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), a national organization run by and for autistic people
• Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network (AWN), which has community and support resources
• Your local Autism Society affiliate, since some run adult social or support groups
• Our guide for adults with a new diagnosis

What should I ask before joining a group?

• How often do you meet, and is it in person, online or both?
• Is there a cost? (Most community groups are free.)
• Who leads the group, and are they trained?
• Is it okay if I just listen the first time?
• How do you keep what's shared private?
• Are kids or autistic family members welcome, or is it adults only?

What if there's no group near me?

• Join an online group run by a national or state organization.
• Ask your Parent to Parent program for a one-to-one parent match.
• Ask your Autism Society affiliate or Parent Center about starting a group. They may help with space or flyers.
• In Texas, Texas HHS lists support groups for caregivers, including caregivers of children with disabilities. Other states often have similar caregiver pages, so check your state's health and human services site.

Related help

• Respite care for autism families
• IEP vs. 504 plan guide
• New autism diagnosis guide for parents
• Search the Autism Hearts provider directory