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Spectrum Events

Spectrum Events: Connecting, Educating, and Celebrating Diversity

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To find in-person events in your area, first use the map below to find out which region you are in.  Click on the drop-down menu for your region and click on “Find Events.”  The calendar will show which events are near you!

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Is there an autism-related event happening in your area?  Please add it to our calendar to get the word out!  You can also send us events that you would like to add to the calendar using our “Contact Us” page.

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Today

Recurring

Online “Closed” Support Group for Women (18-35)

Virtual

This “closed” support group is designed for Autistic women (18-35). Through this “closed” support group, women (18-35) can build an ongoing connection with a small group of other women. AANE “closed” support groups for women also give women an opportunity to voice their concerns and frustrations. It also lets them acknowledge hard-won and unexpected victories. Common topics of discussion are:

Masking/camouflaging
Sensory sensitivities/overloads
Relationships
Self-care
Empathy

$100

Online “Open” Support Group for Adults

Virtual

Description
Come join other post-high-school Autistic adults (ages 18+) or adults with a Neurodivergent profile in an atmosphere of support and understanding.

Audience
AANE Adult Support Groups, Social Groups, and events are intended for post-high school Autistic adults who are able to self-regulate AND independently participate in activities without the assistance of a dedicated caregiver.

Registration
Advanced registration is required. After you have registered, a confirmation email is sent with a link to attend the program. Registrants who do not receive the confirmation email should check their email spam folder. Registration closes 24 hours prior to the event. Early registration is highly recommended as many programs fill quickly.

$10
Recurring

Online “Closed” Support Group for Parents of Transition Age Youth

This 8-week AANE support group is for parents and caregivers of Autistic or similarly neurodivergent young adult children ages 18-22. This small group setting allows parents and caregivers to connect with each other, share experiences, celebrations and delivers a wealth of information.

Advanced registration is required. Financial assistance available.

$180
Recurring

Multi-Session Support Group for Parents of Adults (30+)

Virtual

This “closed” support group is for parents who have an Autistic adult child 30+ years of age. Other adult family caregivers may also register for this group. “Closed” support groups are ideal for parents and other adult family caregivers who want to go beyond sharing their stories with newcomers each time at open support group meetings.

AANE support groups provide an opportunity for parents and family caregivers to voice their concerns and frustrations and celebrate hard-won and unexpected victories. Although each group will focus on different themes and questions, here are some of the most common ones:

Now that your child is an adult, how do you support and/or parent without power?
How do you keep the lines of communication open?
How can you help the Autistic adult find and sustain work and live independently?
How do you motivate them to expand their social network?
What types of services have other families used and what were the results?
How have other members tapped into health, income, housing, and other benefits?
Dates
January 2
January 16
January 30
February 6
February 20
March 6
March 20
April 3

$180
Recurring

Support Group – Gender Identity for Adults

Virtual

This group always meets on the first Thursday of the month and is for post-high school Autistic adults who are interested in discussing and exploring their gender in a supportive setting. Most people who attend identify as transgender, nonbinary, and/or genderfluid, and some are questioning their gender identity or gender roles. Join us to share stories and perspectives, and to get support. No autism diagnosis or certainty about gender identity is required to attend. This is a safe place to explore intersecting identities.

Free

Teen & Young Adult Holiday Party

Embry Hills UMC 3304 Henderson Mill Road, Chamblee, GA

Make the holidays last longer. Find your favorite ugly Christmas sweater and Join us for a post-holiday, holiday party! The teens will play board games, make crafts, and sing festive karaoke songs.

When: Saturday, January 4th, 11AM-1PM

Where: Embry Hill United Methodist church | 3304 Henderson Mill Rd, Atlanta

Eligibility: 

Have physical and/or developmental disabilities, including Rare Genetic Syndromes, Cerebral Palsy, Autism, and Down Syndrome.
FOCUS Kid must be between ages 13 and 29
Willing to stay safe with a group and function in a 1:8 caregiver-to-participant ratio.
Stay with the group in a public place, with gentle reminders.
Not need medical care that requires a nurse.
Not need help toileting during 2 hours event.
What to expect:

There are always plenty of fun holiday board games, crafts, and holiday-themed karaoke
Wear an ugly Christmas sweater
Pizza and drinks will be available.
Registration is required in Family Portal to attend!
Questions? Email Peter@focus-ga.org

Recurring

Sensory Sensitive Sundays™

Chuck E. Cheese - Albany 2601 Dawson Road, Albany, GA, United States +10 more

Chuck E. Cheese is proud to support families who have children with autism and other special needs. Through our Sensory Sensitive Sundays program we’re able to offer families a quieter dining and entertainment environment, dimmed lighting and a sensory-friendly arcade experience. Our sensory-friendly events also include a trained and caring staff to ensure each guest has a safe, fun-filled visit.

Participating Locations:
2601 DAWSON ROAD, ALBANY, GA 31707
925 NORTH POINT DRIVE, ALPHARETTA, GA 30022
3654-I ATLANTA HIGHWAY, ATHENS, GA 30606
2990 CUMBERLAND BLVD. SE, ATLANTA, GA 30339
3435 WRIGHTSBORO RD., AUGUSTA, GA 30909
3201 MACON RD., COLUMBUS, GA 31906
1530 DOGWOOD DR. SE, CONYERS, GA 30013
6890 DOUGLAS BLVD., DOUGLASVILLE, GA 30135
786 GLYNN ST. N., FAYETTEVILLE, GA 30214
335 UPPER RIVERDALE ROAD, JONESBORO, GA 30236
824 EARNEST W. BARRETT PKWY., KENNESAW, GA 30144
5019 JIMMY CARTER BLVD., NORCROSS, GA 30093
6700 ABERCORN, SAVANNAH, GA 31405

Recurring

Online “Closed” Support Group for Adults

A closed support group has the same group members (up to 12) for a set number of sessions (8). Closed support groups are ideal for adults who are looking for deeper connections and more extensive peer support from group members. For the best support group experience, closed group members should plan on attending all 8 meetings in the series. This group offers a safe environment where Autistic adults can talk with like-minded people, share issues and concerns, and celebrate successes. Common topics include: disclosure, self-advocacy, and relationships.
Dates

December 1
December 15
January 5
January 19
February 2
February 16
March 2
March 16

$100

Employment Workshop – How to Find a Good Fit Job for Adults

Virtual

Description
Figuring out what kind of jobs are a good fit for you is a really important part of a job search. While there’s no “perfect job”, knowing your interests, skills, values, and support needs among other factors can help you carry out a more informed and productive search. Come learn ways to self reflect and navigate this process.

*Please note that this event will be recorded. The recording will be sent out to registrants a few days after the live event and participants can watch the recording for up to 30 days.

Registration
Advanced registration is required. After you have registered, a confirmation email is sent with a link to attend the program. Registrants who do not receive the confirmation email should check their email spam folder. Registration closes 24 hours prior to the event. Early registration is highly recommended as many programs fill quickly.

$25

Retro City Arcade

Retro City Arcade 4446 Washington Rd Suite 7, Evans, GA, United States

Come to Retro City Arcade for our first outing of the new year!
They have tons of cool, old school arcade games from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. They have a concession stand with snacks, so please eat dinner before you come or bring money for a snack or two. Learn more about the arcade at their website.
RSVP Here: https://forms.gle/vyS864L4bow7TG989
Cost: $12 per person
When: Monday, January 6, 2025 | 6:00-8:00 PM
Where: 4446 Washington Road, Suite 7, Evans, GA 30809
If you need help or have any questions about meeting time, location, or details, please contact Lynn Smith at 77lynnsmith@gmail.com or 706-667-9695, or Jenni Grace at jenni@mosaicchurchevans.org or 770-633-8172

$12

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