Adults With Autism and Relatives Support Group
Where: Evanston Hospital
2650 Ridge Ave., Room 1711 (first floor, adjacent to Frank Auditorium)
Evanston, IL 60201
Cook County
Email: steve-law@comcast.net
Adults with autism, pervasive developmental disorder-NOS, nonverbal learning disabilities and other similar LDs are welcome. No formal diagnosis necessary. Significant others and close, supportive friends will be allowed to attend with adults on the spectrum. One of the main purposes of this group is to give relatives and close friends a taste of what we do in our adult AS support groups. Basic privacy policy: Identities of group members and any other personal information shared at support group meetings cannot be shared outside the group without their permission.
When: Sundays, from 2 to 4 p.m.
Ages: 18 years and up
Cost: Free
No wait list.
Asperger/Autism Network
Contact Information: https://www.aane.org/about-us/contact-us/
Support Groups & Community Connections Sessions AANE offers three types of supports for post high school adults with Asperger / autism profiles. Adult support groups are facilitated peer support, not intended to be therapy.
- Online Community Connection Sessions for Adults - help relieve isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic by connecting with community members and AANE staff. (Free)
- Online "Open" Support Groups for Adults - (formerly called Ongoing/Drop-In) have an undefined number of group members with new people coming and going on a regular basis. (Free)
- Online "Closed" Support Groups for Adults- (formerly called Support Group Series) have the same members for a set number of sessions. (Pay what you can afford)
The Coalition for Autistic and ND Students (CANS)
The Coalition for Autistic and ND Students (CANS) is a student-led community for autistic and neurodivergent college students in the Chicago-area. Students meet regularly to meet friends, share resources, and participate in workshops, activities, and advocacy.All students who identify as autistic or neurodivergent, including those with Asperger's, intellectual disability, specific learning disability, psychiatric disabilities, or other ND conditions, and are current junior college, community college, undergraduate, graduate, or professional students are welcome. CANS meets on the fourth Friday of the month, 4-6PM at DHSP (1640 W. Roosevelt Rd.).
If you have questions or need accommodations, email Helen at hrotti2@uic.edu.
GRASP Chicago-Evanston Support Group
GRASP Chicago-Evanston Support Group
Evanston Hospital, Room 1711, first floor 2650 Ridge Ave.
Steven Lawson, Steve-Law@comcast.net
Group is a peer-run, free support group for adults (18+) with autism spectrum disorder, nonverbal learning disabilities, and other similar LDs. No formal diagnosis necessary. Basic privacy policy: identities of group members and any other personal information shared at support group meetings cannot be shared outside the group without their permission. The group will discuss a variety of topics including the challenges faced in work and relationships.
More information on local group at Chicago Asperger Adults & Friends Meetup site, http://www.meetup.com/aspergerChi/.
PASSAGE (Planning Asperger Syndrome Success and Generating Experiences)
1835 West Central Road
Arlington Heights, IL 60005
Phone: (847) 385-5018
Email: tmartin@clearbrook.org
Gatherings for adults (age 22 and up) focus on interactive communication within a social atmosphere. On occasion, speakers present on a subject of interest to the group, which may include employment, housing, transportation, independent living, and other relevant topics. Young adults are able to enjoy game nights, time to socialize, potluck appetizers or desserts, and more. Parents, professionals, and community members are provided time for networking and fellowship as well.
Contact for next meeting dates and times.
Adults With Autism and Relatives Support Group
Where: Evanston Hospital
2650 Ridge Ave., Room 1711 (first floor, adjacent to Frank Auditorium)
Evanston, IL 60201
Cook County
Email: steve-law@comcast.net
Adults with autism, pervasive developmental disorder-NOS, nonverbal learning disabilities and other similar LDs are welcome. No formal diagnosis necessary. Significant others and close, supportive friends will be allowed to attend with adults on the spectrum. One of the main purposes of this group is to give relatives and close friends a taste of what we do in our adult AS support groups. Basic privacy policy: Identities of group members and any other personal information shared at support group meetings cannot be shared outside the group without their permission.
When: Sundays, from 2 to 4 p.m.
Ages: 18 years and up
Cost: Free
No wait list.
Asperger/Autism Network
Contact Information: https://www.aane.org/about-us/contact-us/
Support Groups & Community Connections Sessions AANE offers three types of supports for post high school adults with Asperger / autism profiles. Adult support groups are facilitated peer support, not intended to be therapy.
- Online Community Connection Sessions for Adults - help relieve isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic by connecting with community members and AANE staff. (Free)
- Online "Open" Support Groups for Adults - (formerly called Ongoing/Drop-In) have an undefined number of group members with new people coming and going on a regular basis. (Free)
- Online "Closed" Support Groups for Adults- (formerly called Support Group Series) have the same members for a set number of sessions. (Pay what you can afford)
The Coalition for Autistic and ND Students (CANS)
The Coalition for Autistic and ND Students (CANS) is a student-led community for autistic and neurodivergent college students in the Chicago-area. Students meet regularly to meet friends, share resources, and participate in workshops, activities, and advocacy.All students who identify as autistic or neurodivergent, including those with Asperger's, intellectual disability, specific learning disability, psychiatric disabilities, or other ND conditions, and are current junior college, community college, undergraduate, graduate, or professional students are welcome. CANS meets on the fourth Friday of the month, 4-6PM at DHSP (1640 W. Roosevelt Rd.).
If you have questions or need accommodations, email Helen at hrotti2@uic.edu.
GRASP Chicago-Evanston Support Group
GRASP Chicago-Evanston Support Group
Evanston Hospital, Room 1711, first floor 2650 Ridge Ave.
Steven Lawson, Steve-Law@comcast.net
Group is a peer-run, free support group for adults (18+) with autism spectrum disorder, nonverbal learning disabilities, and other similar LDs. No formal diagnosis necessary. Basic privacy policy: identities of group members and any other personal information shared at support group meetings cannot be shared outside the group without their permission. The group will discuss a variety of topics including the challenges faced in work and relationships.
More information on local group at Chicago Asperger Adults & Friends Meetup site, http://www.meetup.com/aspergerChi/.
Midwest Asian Health Association - Family Support Group
Yue Xu, employment specialist
Felicia Li, employment specialist
230 W Cermak Road, 2nd floor
Chicago, IL 60616
Phone: (312) 225-8708 or (312) 791-0418, ext. 3607
Cook County
Bilingual group for English, Mandarin, and some Cantonese speakers. Group meets once a month - they do not have set date. Discussions will be around the benefits people with disabilities who work, benefit planning such as Medicaid, Medicare, SSI, SSDI, and respite services.
Cost: Free
No wait list. Walk-ins welcome
Where: Pompei
1531 W. Taylor St.
Chicago, IL 60607
email: info@jmtf.org for more information
When: one Sunday of every month (check calendar here)
Join us for pizza, board games and friendly conversation! For young adults 17-35 with high-functioning autism or social/communication challenges. Must be able to come without family support.
Suggested donation: $5
Sponsored by Urban Autism Solutions (www.jmtf.org)
PASSAGE (Planning Asperger Syndrome Success and Generating Experiences)
1835 West Central Road
Arlington Heights, IL 60005
Phone: (847) 385-5018
Email: tmartin@clearbrook.org
Gatherings for adults (age 22 and up) focus on interactive communication within a social atmosphere. On occasion, speakers present on a subject of interest to the group, which may include employment, housing, transportation, independent living, and other relevant topics. Young adults are able to enjoy game nights, time to socialize, potluck appetizers or desserts, and more. Parents, professionals, and community members are provided time for networking and fellowship as well.
Contact for next meeting dates and times.
The Second City Training Center
Improv for ASD Program - Adults Class
Lissette Hall, wellness programs assistant
1608 N. Wells St.
Chicago, IL 60614
Phone: (312) 664-3959 (main), (708) 202-9422 (mobile)
Cook County
Email: lhall@secondcity.com
Improv for ASD offers a class in improvisation for teens and adults with autism spectrum disorder. Classes will focus on ensemble and team building to help with the exploration of different relationships and social cues. Improvisational games used in this class will teach the students skills such as accessing emotions and storytelling. This will be done in a safe and fun setting where the students can explore and challenge themselves. Improvisation is a great tool to work through many types of barriers which stand in the way of creativity and socialization.
Cost: $216
Self-Advocacy Council of Northern Illinois
Where: McHenry County College, Room B, 166-167
8900 U.S. Highway 14
Crystal Lake, IL 60012
McHenry County
Support group for youths and adults with disabilities and the people that support them. Some topics planned are: self-directed IEP and transition plans, scheduling "Self Advocacy 101" workshop presentation, voting rights and how to affect legislation, social security and employment rights, the right to live in your own community, inclusion in education, recreation and the community, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Americans with Disabilities Act.
When: meets on the second Thursday of each month, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Cost: free.
For additional information, e-mail: mgolden@sacni.org.
University of Illinois at Chicago Developmental Disabilities Family Clinic
1640 W. Roosevelt Road
Chicago, IL 60608
Phone: (312) 413-1490
Social Skills Groups: School age and high school groups offered. Learn about social skills in a fun and interactive environment. Skills targeted vary depending on client needs.
