METRO AREA

Autism Society of Nebraska

Join other Pre-K children with autism for a monthly playdate. Playdates are the third Saturday of each month from 10 am to 11 am in the upper level of the Autism Center of Nebraska, 90th and Q. It’s one fun-filled hour of sensory and play activities hosted with the help of Creighton University OT students. Our children have so much fun they don’t realize they’re working on critical skills. Can’t wait to see you at preschool playdate! Call 1-800-580-9279 with any questions.

ReACH – Rethinking Autistic Children’s Health

This is a parent group seeking “non-traditional” therapies for their children. Join their discussion to learn about their approach to get children healthy, put parents into action and help them implement what they are learning. This group is very hands-on, come and be inspired to act! Meetings are monthly and will be held mainly at Natural Grocers at 17602 Wright Street (177th and Center). Some months there will be fun events like boot camps for the kiddos or a fun, relaxing event for mothers. For more information contact Ashley Ward at 402-317-0391 or ashleyward623@gmail.com.

Special Needs Forum for Families

Forum for Families was started in the fall of 2013. It is their goal to educate, support, and celebrate with those who love and care for people with special needs. They meet the 2nd Sundays of the month, 3-5pm, at Countryside Community Church (8787 Pacific St.). This group is not faith-based, any diagnoses and age welcome. For more information contact Maria Gaebler at 402-594-5272 or gaebler2@earthlink.net.

Visit their Facebook Page.

ASN Teens/Adults on the Spectrum Support Group (Ages 12-22)

Join other middle school students, high school students and young adults for our monthly Social Group on the second Saturday evening of the month from 7 pm to 9 pm in the lower level of the Autism Center of Nebraska, 90th and Q. We have snacks and beverages, play video and board games, watch movies and do craft activities while hanging out with friends. If you have any questions, call 1-800-580-9279.

CHADRON

Autism Parent Support Group

Joni King is a parent who was involved in the Autism Support Group PETALS, which is no longer meeting. She has many resources available that benefit families with children on the spectrum. Call her if you have questions pertaining to your child with autism at 308-430-1597.

FREMONT

Fremont Autism Support Group

The Fremont Autism Support Group has quarterly meetings. Please contact Theresa Muhle at theresa.muhle@fpsmail.org or 402-727-3173.

HASTINGS

Hastings Autism Resource Team- HART

HART is a parent support group that meets once a month during the school year. Meetings are typically held the second Thursday of the month from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at one of the local schools. For more information contact Kathie DeTour at kdetour@esu9.org or 402-461-7520.

KEARNEY

Autism Support Group of Kearney (ASK)

ASK meets the third Sunday of the month from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. on the second floor of the Kearney Public Library, 2020 1st Avenue. Contact Jodi Richards at 402-469-4763 or jrichards@familiescare.org. This group does not meet over the summer. Meetings resume in September.

LINCOLN

Autism Family Network (AFN)

This Lincoln-area support organization meets monthly. It alternates months between family fun events and informative events with relevant speakers on topics of interest. Fun events are usually held in the community (swimming, skating, movies, children’s museum, etc.). Informational meetings usually take place the second Sunday of the month at Christ Lutheran Church at 44th and Sumner. Events are typically scheduled only about a month in advance. The best way to keep informed is to join the mailing list. Contact Cathy Martinez at autismfamilynetworklincoln@gmail.com to receive emails concerning upcoming events or to be put on the postal mailing list. For more information, visit www.autismfamilynetwork.org.

Asperger’s Parent Support Group

This support group is for parents of children of any age with Asperger’s Disorder at Williamsburg Behavioral Psychology, 3801 Union Dr., Suite 206, Lincoln (just south of the Hy-Vee at 40th & Old Cheney). You will be able to talk with other parents and professionals about your parenting challenges and issues. You will receive helpful support, feedback and education about how to cope who is diagnosed with Asperger’s Disorder. For more information call 402-489-2218, ask for Dr. Tapley or leave her a message.

Rett Syndrome Support Group

Terri and Dave Larson are parents of a daughter with Rett Syndrome. For more information about the support group, contact them at 402-474-4855, 402-580-4126, or terri@plumstreet.com.

SCOTTSBLUFF

Scottsbluff Support Group

This group meets via a conference-call the first Monday of the month. They welcome parents from all of western Nebraska. For more information, please contact Vicki Rutter at 308-635-3696 or vrutter@esu13.org.

SIOUX CITY, IA

Siouxland Autism Support Group

This group meets each month to equip and empower families. Meetings are held second Thursday of the month from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Northwest AEA Building, Room D, 1520 Morningside Avenue, Sioux City IA, 51106. Check their website for any meeting or location changes. Email siouxlandautism@live.com for more information.