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.
Comprehensive Caregivers Support Group with Virginia Down Syndrome Association
Location: Virtual
Frequency of Program: Quarterly
Join the ASCV and the Virginia Down Syndrome Association for the Comprehensive Caregivers Support Group. Comprehensive Caregivers is a peer-led program aimed at helping caregivers and families understand support systems for developmental disabilities.
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:
Meet-Ups for Dads
Location: Varies
Frequency of Program: Quarterly
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 quarterly and is co-led by two ASCV Dads. Meetings will alternate between morning and evening outings.
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: Quarterly
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 Q&A for Caregivers of Young Children
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: Every other month
ASCV’s monthly support group for men is held every other month on the third Thursday from 6:30p-7:30p. Join us for the opportunity to connect with other men, share experiences, and gain additional support strategies.
2025 Program Dates:
- 1/16/2025
- 3/20/2025
- 5/15/2025
- 7/17/2025
- 9/18/2025
- 11/20/2025
Virtual LGBTQIA+ Support Group
Location: Virtual
Frequency of program: Every other month
ASCV’s monthly support group for LGBTQIA+ individuals is held every other month on the first Tuesday 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.
2025 Program Dates:
- 1/7/2025 6p-7p
- 3/4/2025 6p-7p
- 5/6/2025 6p-7p
- 7/1/2025 6p-7p
- 9/2/2025 6p-7p
- 11/4/2025 6p-7p