Support Groups

Our peer-facilitated support groups for parents and caregivers are a great opportunity for individuals who have an autistic loved one to connect with other caregivers in a relaxed environment to ask questions, share resources, and personal experiences.  Whether you are looking for an in-person or virtual group, there is something for everyone.

Diagnosis+ Support Group with Virginia Down Syndrome Association 

Location: Virtual
Frequency of Program:  Bi-Monthly

This group is specifically designed to meet and talk with other parents whose children have a diagnosis in addition to Down syndrome. This can include Autism, Sensory processing disorders, feeding issues, Leukemia, and more.

To see upcoming program dates, or to register to attend, please click the button below:

Grupo de Apoyo

Location: Virtual
Frecuencia del programa: Bimestral 

Para padres y madres que tienen un niño o niña con autismo.¿Tienes un hijo o hija con autismo? ¿Buscas una comunidad de otras familias que experimentan las mismas cosas? Comparta sus desafíos y sus éxitos, desahogue sus frustraciones, y aprenda estrategias con otros.

Complete esta inscripción para unirse a nuestro grupo de apoyo virtual para padres y madres con un niño con autismo

Las reuniones del grupo tendrán lugar el último sábado de cada mes a las 10:00 – 11:30 de la mañana. Todas las reuniones se realizan completamente en español. Son virtuales y gratuitas. Son abiertos a todos, pero dirigidos a las familias que viven en Virginia.

To see upcoming program dates, or to register to attend, please click the button below:

Guys Group for Dads & Paternal Caregivers

Location: Varies
Frequency of Program:  Quarterly 

ASCV’s monthly Guys’ Group is for Dads and other paternal caregivers. This is a great opportunity to meet other caregivers, ask questions, share resources, and just take a break with a group of guys who understand the world of autism. The group meets monthly and is co-led by two ASCV Dads.

To see upcoming program dates, or to register to attend, please click the button below:

Ladies Night Out and Morning Coffee Talk for Moms & Maternal Caregivers

Location: Varies
Frequency of Program:  Monthly

Leave the kids at home and come join some exceptional caregivers to unwind. This is a great opportunity to meet other caregivers, ask questions, share resources, and just have fun! Each month we will alternate between a Ladies Night Out and a Morning Coffee Talk. The group is co-led by two ASCV Moms.

To see upcoming program dates, or to register to attend, please click the button below:

Respite Night

Ages: All ages
Frequency of program: Monthly in Glen Allen and Quarterly in Colonial Heights
Co-Host: Christ Church Episcopal and The Heights

Individuals with autism and their siblings, ages 5 and up (adults included!), are invited to join the ASCV for an engaging and entertaining evening to give caregivers some time to take care of themselves! Attendees will be broken into groups based on age, interest, activity level, etc.

Our skilled and compassionate facilitators will lead creative interactive games and activities. Activities will include but are not limited to: outside time on the playground and basketball courts, a sensory area, arts and crafts, games, LEGO building, and more! 

Due to the increasing demand of Respite, waitlists are often present. Staff want to make sure we have enough hands to provide a safe, accommodating, and fun environment for your loved one. We often accommodate families off the waitlist upon illness, cancellation, and increased volunteers. Email [email protected] with any questions you may have.

To see upcoming program dates, or to register to attend, please click the button below:

Sibshops – A Sibling Support Group

Ages: Sibshop is most appropriate for ages 7-13. Siblings ages 14+ are invited to join us as volunteers for the program!
Location:  Flo and Guzman Community Center at the Faison School
Frequency of program: Every Other Month
Co-Host: Christ Church Episcopal and The Heights

Our ASCV Sibshop group is for youth who have a sibling with a disability . It is a fun and interactive opportunity for brothers and sisters to obtain peer support through games and discussion.

To see upcoming program dates, or to register to attend, please click the button below:

In-Person Caregivers of Teens Support Group

Location:  River Road United Methodist Church
Frequency of program: Monthly

Join other caregivers of teens for an opportunity to chat and share resources! Our In-Person Caregivers of Teens Support group takes place at the same time as our monthly Teen Social Group – drop your loved one off for some fun and then head upstairs for a chance to connect with other caregivers.

To see upcoming program dates, or to register to attend, please click the button below:

In-Person Caregivers of Adults Support Group

Location:  Belmont Recreation Center
Frequency of program: Monthly

Join other caregivers of adults for an opportunity to chat and share resources! Our In-Person Caregivers of Adults Support group takes place at the same time as our monthly in-person Adult Social Group – drop your loved one off for some fun and then enjoy a chance to connect with other caregivers.

To see upcoming program dates, or to register to attend, please click the button below:

Virtual Caregivers of Young Children Support Group

Location:  Virtual
Frequency of program: Monthly

ASCV’s peer-facilitated virtual Caregivers of Young Children Support Group is a great opportunity for individuals who have a child in preschool or elementary school on the autism spectrum to ask questions, share resources, and connect with other caregivers.

To see upcoming program dates, or to register to attend, please click the button below:

Virtual Grandparent Support Group

Location:  Virtual
Frequency of program: Quarterly

Grandparents have a unique role in the lives of their grandchild(ren) with autism, and they are often looked to as an important source of love, guidance, connection, and support.

ASCV’s quarterly peer-led support group for autism grandparents, and this is a great opportunity to ask questions, share resources, and connect with other grandparents.

To see upcoming program dates, or to register to attend, please click the button below:

Virtual Women’s Support Group

Location:  Virtual
Frequency of program: Monthly

ASCV’s monthly group for adult autistic women offers support, education, and connection through interactive and engaging activities, discussion topics, and guest speakers.

To see upcoming program dates, or to register to attend, please click the button below:

Virtual Men’s Support Group

Location:  Virtual
Frequency of program: Monthly

ASCV’s monthly support group for men is held on the third Thursday of every month from 6:30p-7:30p. Join us for the opportunity to connect with other men, share experiences, and gain additional support strategies. 

To see upcoming program dates, or to register to attend, please click the button below:

Virtual LGBTQ+ Support Group

Location:  Virtual
Frequency of program: Monthly

ASCV’s monthly support group for LGBTQ+ individuals is held on the first Tuesday of every month from 6p-7p. Join our kind and affirming community to safely share your intersectional experiences with peers and to learn more about advocating for yourself and others. 

To see upcoming program dates, or to register to attend, please click the button below: