Autism Support Groups in Aurora, Colorado

For most autism parents, one of the most valuable resources isn't a credential or a curriculum — it's other parents who've been where you are. Support groups can be formal — led by an organization, with structured programming, often free. Others are casual parent meetups where families gather to share, vent, and trade practical tips. Some are open to all autism parents; others focus on a specific topic or demographic (parents of teens, mothers of autistic girls, parents of non-speaking children, sibling support groups). Some are in-person; many are online.

What support groups do well: they validate that what you're going through is real and not unique to you; they surface practical knowledge no professional book contains (which provider has openings, how the local IEP team usually responds, where to take your child for a haircut); and they connect you to other families whose experience helps yours feel less isolating.

A useful group is not necessarily a happy group — sometimes the most valuable conversations are the ones where families are simply honest about how hard things can be. Pick groups whose tone and approach fit you, and don't feel obligated to stay in any group that doesn't help. Online groups can be especially useful for families whose schedules don't allow in-person attendance.

Our autism support groups guide covers the broader landscape — types of groups, what to look for, and a few national starting points.

The Autism Society of Colorado runs in-person and online support programming across the Denver metro, with active membership including Aurora families. Several independent parent-led groups also meet across the metro, some general and some focused (parents of teens, mothers of autistic girls, parents of non-speaking children). Some Aurora and Denver-area schools and clinics host parent groups tied to specific programs. Online groups — Facebook groups for Colorado autism parents, Denver-metro-specific groups, national autism communities — supplement in-person options well.

Start with the Autism Society of Colorado — their site lists current groups, events, and contact information. Ask your child's therapy providers and your school's special education team; they often know which parent groups other families recommend. Facebook is a current source for informal Denver-metro groups. PEAK Parent Center — Colorado's Parent Training and Information Center — runs parent workshops and connects families across the state.

If you run or know of an Aurora-area group we should feature, please tell us.