Building Connections
There are lots of ways for you and your family to connect, share, learn from one another, and have fun.
Autism Connections and other providers organize ongoing support groups in western Massachusetts.
Every month, we compile the most up-to-date listing of social groups, workshops, classes, events, and more.
Our workshops and webinars, family activities, social and networking groups, and more are posted regularly on our events calendar.
See the upcoming listing of our webinars, workshops, program events, community activities and trainings, groups, conferences, and more useful resources.
Support Groups
Autism Support Group
PRE-PANDEMIC GROUP. PLEASE CHECK FOR CURRENT STATUS.
This is a monthly support group for parents, care‐
givers, grandparents, and siblings of autistic children. RSVP is required.
4th Sunday of the month
6:00pm‐7:00pm
Athol Memorial Hospital, The Hillis
Conference Room
2033 Main St., Athol
The first meeting will be held on August 26th. Please contact Amanda Gallant at Amanda.gallant@heywood.org with questions or to RSVP.
Clinical & Support Options (CSO) Parent Support Group
PRE-PANDEMIC GROUP. PLEASE CHECK FOR CURRENT STATUS.
For parents of children/youth with high functioning autism (Asperger’s). Come share your experience, learn about resources, and hear from experts in the field. Childcare available. This is a parent led support group.
Saturdays
10:00am-11:30am
Bridge Family Resource Center
101 University Dr, Suite A3
Amherst, MA
Childcare available, refreshments served. Please call 413~549~0297 with questions.
HOPE Autism Support Group
PRE-PANDEMIC GROUP. PLEASE CHECK FOR CURRENT STATUS.
This group is designed for parents and caregivers of family members on the autism spectrum to meet and talk with others that are on the same journey in a positive and confidential environment.
9:30am-11:30am
Pioneer Valley Church of Christ
85 Montcalm Street
Chicopee, MA
Group meets on the 2nd Friday of each month For more information or to RSVP, please contact Cathy at camorgado@verizon.net.
Asperger’s Social Night for Adults
Adult Discussion Group
Autism Connections Western MA Support Group
THIS GROUP IS NOW ONLINE. PLEASE CONTACT LINDA FOR UPDATED INFORMATION.
This support group is open to all family members of children and young adults with autism. The group is designed for parents and other caregivers to come together for support and to share information.
Group meets 2nd Wednesday of each month
MCS
260 Westfield Road
Holyoke, MA
For more information and to RSVP, please email Linda Wynne at wynne92@aol.com.
Rainbow Support Group of Western Massachusetts
PRE-PANDEMIC GROUP. PLEASE CHECK FOR CURRENT STATUS.
This group provides support and info to individuals with intellectual challenges who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or those who are questioning.
Western Mass Training Consortium
187 High Street, Suite 202
Holyoke, MA
For questions or to find out meeting times contact Tammy Nothe-Hebert at 413~536~2401 x3036
Growing Strong Skills Training for Children and their Caregivers
PRE-PANDEMIC GROUP. PLEASE CHECK FOR CURRENT STATUS.
The group will use the Attachment Regulation and
Competency Framework to help children learn
different skills.
CSO Outpatient Clinic
8 Atwood Dr, Suite 201
Northampton
Tuesdays 4:45‐6:15 pm
For more information and to register please contact Dave at 413.582.0471 ext. 5080 or Kim ext. 5032
Valley ADHD Parent Support Group
This group is for parents and caregivers to receive
ADHD information and support. It is a place where
you can be heard and not be judged.
1st Monday of every month
6:30pm‐8:00pm
Northampton Area Pediatrics
193 Locust St., Northampton
For more information contact ValleyADHDFamilies@gmail.com.
Wire Monkey Mama’s Coffee Club
PRE-PANDEMIC GROUP. PLEASE CHECK FOR CURRENT STATUS.
A bi‐weekly meetup and solidarity circle for all
mams like grand, step, foster, and any mama who
cares for a child.
Every other Monday evening
6:00pm‐7:00pm
1 Market Street, Northampton
At The Roost in Northampton. For more information, text Yoshi at 413‐347‐2517.
Asperger’s Support Group of the Berkshires
This group is for individuals with Asperger’s syndrome to come together and offer friendship, fellowship and support.
Group will meet in various places throughout the community; please contact Elizabeth Flaherty at 413~443~4780 x16 to RSVP and find out location.
LGBTQ and the Autism Spectrum
PRE-PANDEMIC GROUP. PLEASE CHECK FOR CURRENT STATUS.
This group is being offered by the Asperger/Autism Network (AANE). There is an attendance fee of $5.
South Hadley Public Library
Conference Room
2 Canal Street
South Hadley, MA
For more information or to join this group, please contact Stephanie Birkdale at stephanie.birkdale@aane.org.
Westfield Support Group for Adults with Asperger’s Syndrome
PRE-PANDEMIC GROUP. PLEASE CHECK FOR CURRENT STATUS.
This group is an opportunity for support and discussion among adults on the autism spectrum. We provide a “safe space” for our community and as such are not recommended for friends and family members except in a support role.
Building Autistic Community, Inc
507 Southampton Road #1
Westfield, MA
For more information, contact the group at info@bacautism.org or call BAC at 413~359~0222.
Families of Spirited Children (It Takes a Village)
PRE-PANDEMIC GROUP. PLEASE CHECK FOR CURRENT STATUS.
This is a group for parents, grandparents, and care‐
givers of children with special needs, autism, ADHD
or physical, sensory, or medical challenges. Free
childcare and refreshments provided.
Tuesdays, 10:00am‐11:30am,
starting November 7, 2017
Anna T. Dunphy School
1 Petticoat Hill Road, Williamsburg
For more information, contact It Takes a Village at 413‐650‐3640 or Kat at info@hilltownvillage.org or www.facebook.com/hilltownvillage