Autism Support Groups Near Me in Colorado: 2025 Parent Guide

1. Autism Society of Colorado: Statewide Virtual Support Network

The Autism Society of Colorado operates multiple online peer support groups that meet virtually throughout the month, making them accessible to families anywhere in the state. These groups are moderated by peer-led facilitators who understand the autism journey firsthand.

Available Groups

• Parents and Caregivers of Children Under 18: Meets virtually on the first and third Tuesdays of every month from 7:00pm to 8:00pm
• Parents and Caregivers of Adults (18+): Meets on Thursdays with flexible scheduling
• All-Ages Parent Support: First and third Saturdays from 10:30am to 11:30am
• LGBTQ+ Autistic Adults: Second and fourth Tuesdays from 7:00pm to 8:00pm

The groups provide a welcoming space where participants can engage in open discussions, exchange advice, and build community with others who understand their journey. Some groups accept HCBS waivers to help cover costs, and financial assistance is available for families experiencing hardship.

Contact: groups@autismcolorado.org

2. Autism Community Store: Denver's In-Person Hub

The Autism Community Store operates a physical Autism Community Center that hosts regular in-person support groups and events. This venue serves as a gathering place for Denver-area families seeking face-to-face connection.

Spectrum Parent Adventures

This parent support group meets the second Saturday of each month from 4 PM to 6 PM at the Autism Community Center, with periodic "parents' nights out" at autism-friendly venues like Brewability and Pizzability. Light refreshments are provided at all meetings.

What Makes This Center Unique

• All programs and support groups are completely free and open to everyone regardless of ability
• The center is staffed exclusively by autistic adults and family members of autistic and neurodivergent children
• Resources are available in Spanish with bilingual staff members on site
• The center hosts an annual Autism Resource Fair now in its 13th year, where families connect with providers and gather resources

The sensory-inclusive environment ensures that all family members feel comfortable participating in activities and support sessions.

3. Autism Vision of Colorado: Colorado Springs Parent Groups

Autism Vision of Colorado runs "Autism Moms Get Out" meetings on Tuesday evenings from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. These informal gatherings take place at various restaurants around Colorado Springs.

The locations vary each meeting, so parents should check the organization's Facebook page before attending. The casual restaurant setting creates a relaxed atmosphere for parents to connect over shared experiences. Note that nursing babies are welcome at these meetings.

The group also hosts social activities for autistic adults, demonstrating their commitment to supporting the entire autism community across all life stages.

4. Autism Society Boulder County: Northern Colorado Resources

The Autism Society Boulder County operates a private Facebook-based support group specifically for Colorado parents and guardians of individuals on the autism spectrum. This online community is monitored and moderated by ASBC staff to ensure a safe space.

The Facebook group allows parent and guardian community members to share their journey, find connections, and support each other through the challenges of raising autistic children. To join, contact the Group Moderator Karlin Breugel at karlinb@autismboulder.org.

Boulder County also provides resources for young autistic adults seeking peer connections, though these groups are exclusively for autistic individuals themselves rather than parents.

5. Specialized Support Groups for Unique Needs

Several Colorado organizations offer support groups tailored to specific demographics or needs within the autism community.

Adolescent Girls Social Skills Groups

Kimel Psychological Services in Denver runs an Adolescent Social Skills Group for girls in middle and high school with autism spectrum diagnoses. A parent group runs simultaneously with the girls' group, allowing parents to learn ways to support the skills being taught. These 9-week programs meet Thursdays from 5-6:30 PM.

Neurodivergent Adult Support

Virtual support groups for neurodivergent adults meet Wednesdays from 5-6 PM MST, covering topics like adjusting to diagnosis, executive functioning challenges, and identifying strengths. No official diagnosis is required to join, and the groups are capped at 8 individuals to maintain intimacy.

Family Support Center for Autism

Located at 1330 Quail Lake Loop in Colorado Springs, this family-run organization offers support, education, advocacy, and resources to families of children with developmental and mental health challenges.

6. Support Groups Through Therapy Providers

Many ABA therapy providers and autism service organizations incorporate parent support into their service models. These groups combine clinical expertise with peer connection.

Benefits of Provider-Based Groups

• Integrated support: Therapists can answer clinical questions during or after group meetings
• Shared experiences: Parents meet others whose children receive similar interventions
• Practical strategies: Groups often focus on applying therapy techniques at home
• Consistent schedule: Meetings may align with therapy sessions for convenience

When evaluating therapy providers, ask whether they offer parent support groups as part of their services. Colorado offers a rich variety of resources including specialized ABA therapy programs.

7. How to Choose the Right Support Group

Not every support group will fit your family's needs. Consider these factors when selecting where to invest your time.

Meeting Format

• Virtual groups: Ideal for families in rural areas or with scheduling constraints
• In-person meetings: Provide deeper connections and hands-on resource sharing
• Hybrid options: Some organizations offer both formats for maximum flexibility

Group Focus

• Age-specific: Groups focused on young children versus teenagers versus adults
• Topic-based: Education navigation, behavioral strategies, or emotional support
• General support: Broad discussions covering all aspects of autism parenting

Practical Considerations

• Meeting times: Evening groups suit working parents, while daytime options work for stay-at-home caregivers
• Childcare: Some groups welcome children, others are adults-only
• Cost: Most Colorado autism support groups are free or accept Medicaid waivers
• Language: Spanish-language support is available through organizations like Autism Community Store

Start by attending 2-3 different groups to find the best fit. The right group should feel welcoming, relevant to your current challenges, and leave you feeling supported rather than drained.

8. Why In-Home ABA Therapy Complements Support Groups

While support groups provide emotional connection and shared strategies, professional ABA therapy delivers the individualized clinical intervention that drives measurable progress. These two resources work together to support your child's development.

The Support Group + Therapy Combination

• Learn from peers: Hear what strategies work for other families
• Apply clinical expertise: Work with trained BCBAs to implement evidence-based interventions
• Share progress: Celebrate wins with parents who understand their significance
• Navigate systems: Get recommendations for schools, specialists, and resources

Why Achieving Stars Therapy Stands Out for Colorado Families

When you're ready to add professional ABA therapy to your support network, choosing the right provider matters. Achieving Stars Therapy delivers in-home ABA services across all of Colorado with several distinctive advantages:

• Medicaid-covered services: In-home ABA therapy is fully covered by Colorado Medicaid, removing financial barriers that often prevent families from accessing care
• Licensed BCBA supervision: Every treatment plan is developed and overseen by Board Certified Behavior Analysts who bring specialized expertise
• Home-based convenience: Therapists come to your home and work within your family's natural routines — no driving to clinics or disrupting your schedule
• Personalized matching: Achieving Stars carefully matches each child with a therapist who fits their personality and learning style
• Flexible scheduling: Sessions work around your family's existing commitments and preferences

The combination of evidence-based ABA methodology with the convenience of in-home delivery means your child receives consistent, high-quality intervention in the environment where they'll use their new skills most. This practical approach aligns perfectly with the peer strategies you'll learn in support groups.

Getting Started

Achieving Stars makes the intake process straightforward. They begin with a conversation to understand your child's needs, conduct a personalized BCBA assessment to develop a custom treatment plan, and then match you with the right therapist to begin in-home sessions. This streamlined approach means less time navigating systems and more time focused on your child's progress.

The integration of professional ABA therapy with active participation in parent support groups creates a comprehensive support system — clinical expertise for your child's development and peer connection for your own wellbeing as a caregiver.

Take the Next Step

Colorado's autism support landscape offers robust options for families at every stage of the journey. Start by connecting with one support group this month — whether virtual or in-person — and experience the relief of talking with parents who genuinely understand. Then ensure your child receives the clinical intervention they need through quality in-home ABA therapy. Together, these resources form the foundation for both your family's wellbeing and your child's continued growth.