Below is a collection of support groups that we have been made aware of. If you know of any support groups in Sarasota County that are not currently listed, please let CARD know.
Sarasota County Support Groups
S.T.A.R.S. (Successful Talented Adults Reaching Skyward) Program
Location:Jewish Family & Children Services, 2688 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, FL 34237
Contact Name:Isaac Gurfinchel
Contact Phone: 941-366-2224
Contact Email: Director of Counseling
Date/Time: Wednesdays 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm
Who: Young adults ages 18 to 30 with a developmental disability.
Description: Weekly co-ed program offers a venue where individuals can make new friends and discover new interests. There is a monthly parent/caregiver meeting.
Autism Society of Florida
Location:Contact for information
Contact Name:Ann Reynolds
Contact Email: suncoastautism@outlook.com
Date/Time: Contact for information
Who: Young Adults ages 18-40
Description: Social group for independently functioning young adults ages 18-40.
Sarasota Adults with Asperger's Syndrome Meetup
Location:Sarasota/Bradenton Area
Contact Name:Jody Lynn McBrien
Contact Phone: Via Meetup.com
Date/Time: TBA
Who: Adults (18 and older) with disabilities, Parents, Partners, & Professionals
Description: I have lived in the Sarasota-Bradenton area for 12 years and never found help or support for highly capable adults with Asperger's. I have a 33-year old son with ASD (actually I prefer to drop the "D" as I don't think it is a disorder at all), and we have found no social groups, no social or career support - nothing for those over the age of 18. My idea is to bring together adults in this category as well as interested parents, partners, employers - anyone interested in working together on social outlets and employment opportunities for high-functioning adults with Asperger's.
Clara's Clubhouse
Location:Multiple locations throughout the county.
Contact Name:Nikki French
Contact Phone: 941-564-9759
Contact Email: clarasclubhouse@gmail.com
Date/Time: Call for times.
Who: Parents of children with ASD
Description: Having a family member with Unique Sensory Needs can be difficult. Connect with other families and share your stories of triumph and tribulations along the way.
Across The Spectrum: Parent Support Group
Location:Virtual
Contact Phone: 407-207-3388
Contact Email: info@autismfl.org
Date/Time: First Tuesday of every month from 7:00pm-8:30pm (EST)
Who: Parents of children with autism.
Description: Join our support group and chat with other parents who can offer advice or support and help others by sharing your own knowledge and experience.