Autism Support Groups in the United States: How to Find One in Your State

Written by Dror Arbel, a parent, not a clinician. Last reviewed November 2026. 101Autism does not run or vet support groups; the links below go to national organizations that list local groups and chapters.

Correction (November 2026): An earlier version of this page showed a state-by-state table whose group names and phone numbers were placeholders (555 numbers), not real groups. We removed it and replaced it with the national networks below, which keep their own up-to-date local listings. We apologize for the confusion.

Where to Find a Group in Your State

Organization	Best for	How it helps
Autism Society of America	Families and autistic people	Network of local affiliates across the US; many run parent groups, social events and information lines.
Parent to Parent USA	Parents and caregivers	Matches you one-to-one with a trained volunteer parent whose child has similar needs, through state member programs.
Parent Training and Information Centers	Parents dealing with school, IEPs, 504 plans	Every state has at least one federally funded parent center that offers free help and often runs parent groups.
The Arc	Families of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities	State and local chapters offer family support, advocacy and programs.
Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN)	Autistic adults and teens	Autistic-led advocacy organization with resources and community.
Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network (AWN)	Autistic women, girls and nonbinary people	Autistic-led community and resources.

Other Ways to Find Local Groups

• Ask professionals you already see. Pediatricians, developmental clinics, therapists and school special education staff often know which local groups are active.
• Children’s hospitals and university autism centers frequently host parent groups or education nights.
• Your state’s Early Intervention program (under age 3) can connect you with other families.
• Libraries, community centers and places of worship sometimes host sensory-friendly events and parent meetups.
• Online communities can help when there is nothing nearby, but choose moderated groups and be careful with medical advice from strangers.

How to Choose the Right Group

• Who is it for? Parents of young children, parents of teens, autistic adults, siblings or grandparents all have different needs.
• Who runs it? Check whether it is led by parents, autistic people, professionals or a provider. Groups run by a clinic or therapy company may promote their own services.
• Tone and values. Look for respectful, evidence-informed discussion. Be wary of groups that push “cures”, expensive unproven treatments or supplements.
• Format and timing. In-person, online or hybrid; daytime or evening; childcare available or not.
• Cost. Most parent groups are free; some programs ask for a small membership fee.

Not sure a group is worth it? Our article on the benefits of joining an autism support group covers what to expect.

Related Guides

• How to find autism specialists in the US
• Where to get tested for autism as an adult, by state
• Navigating the IEP process

FAQ

How can I find autism support groups near me?

Start with national networks that have local branches: Autism Society affiliates, Parent to Parent programs, your state’s Parent Training and Information Center and The Arc chapters. Also ask your pediatrician, school district or local children’s hospital.

Are there support groups for autistic adults?

Yes. Autistic-led organizations such as ASAN and AWN offer community and resources, and many Autism Society affiliates run adult social groups. Some areas also have peer-led meetups for autistic adults.

Are autism support groups free?

Most parent support groups and Parent to Parent matching are free. Some organizations ask for an optional membership fee or charge for specific events.

What if there is no group near me?

Try a moderated online group, ask your state parent center about virtual meetings, or ask a few local families you meet through school or therapy if they would like to start an informal meetup.