What is Autism Family Friends (AFF)?

Autism Family Friends (AFF) is a grassroots, family-led community organization dedicated to supporting families with autistic children. We provide a warm, welcoming space where families can connect, share experiences, and find helpful resources. Our goal is to build a strong network of friendship, understanding, and support for autistic individuals and their families.

How did AFF start?

Autism Family Friends (AFF) began with a simple idea: that no family should feel alone in their autism journey. It was created by parents of autistic children who wanted more than just services or information — they wanted genuine connection, shared understanding, and a safe, inclusive space where families could feel supported just as they are.

AFF started small — with coffee meetups and playdates in parks — and grew organically as more families joined and helped shape it. Today, AFF remains a grassroots, family-led group driven by community needs, and held together by warmth, honesty, and mutual care.

What does AFF do?

AFF engages in a variety of activities to support families and raise awareness about autism, including:

• Community Support: Creating opportunities for families to connect through events, online chats, and meetups.

• Donor & Fundraiser Engagement: Organizing fundraisers and outreach efforts to secure resources that support our programs and families.

• Education & Advocacy: Sharing information and promoting understanding about autism in the wider community.

• Volunteer Involvement: Encouraging volunteers to help with outreach, events, and connecting with families to build a strong, supportive community.

What is the age range of children in the group?

The children in our group are generally between 2 and 9 years old, though younger or older siblings are always welcome to join in as well.

How often does AFF meet?

• We host two parent coffee support meetings each month—one in Vancouver and one in Richmond.

• We run a monthly Spectrum Strong Parents session, in partnership with The Cove Indoor Play, featuring guest speakers or facilitators on topics relevant to the autism community.

• We hold one monthly family playdate event, providing families with opportunities to connect while children enjoy inclusive, low-pressure play.

• Occasionally, we offer community-building events such as Mom’s Night Out or Dad’s Lunches, giving caregivers a chance to socialize in a relaxed setting.

Where do AFF events take place?

We offer a variety of locations across the Lower Mainland, including New Westminster, Vancouver, Richmond, and surrounding areas. We rotate venues to ensure accessibility and variety for families.

Do you support AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) users?

Yes! Several children in our group use AAC, and we warmly welcome and support all forms of communication.

What kinds of activities does AFF provide?

Our monthly playdates take place at different locations—such as indoor play spaces, parks, or community centers—in lower sensory, supportive environments. Activities may include sensory play, arts and crafts, seasonal themes, and occasional visits from therapy animals or volunteers. We also organize inclusive outings such as indoor climbing, ice skating, sensory-friendly movie experiences, and park or splash park dates.

Parent sessions create space for connection, learning, and sharing experiences.

How does AFF stay connected outside of events?

We maintain an active WhatsApp community group chat that includes topic-based channels where parents can ask questions, share resources, and invite each other to informal meetups or playdates. It’s our main platform for staying in touch and fostering ongoing community support.

Who can join AFF?

AFF is specifically for families with autistic children. Siblings are always welcome at events. Extended family members (like grandparents or aunties/uncles) and supportive friends are also welcome to join some events, especially when they’re helping care for children or want to learn more.

Support workers are welcome too — they can attend events to help children work on goals, build confidence, or simply participate in a supportive, inclusive environment.

We warmly support all forms of communication, including AAC, visual aids, and more.

Is there a membership fee to join?

Nope! AFF is completely free to join. We're a family-led group, and our goal is to make connection and support as accessible as possible — no fees, no obligations, just community.

How can I get involved?

You can get involved by joining our volunteer team, attending events, participating in online groups, or helping spread the word about AFF and our fundraisers.

Does AFF provide tax receipts for donations?

We’re currently a registered non-profit organization and not yet able to issue tax receipts. However, we’re actively working toward becoming a registered charity in the near future.

How can I contact AFF?

You can contact AFF by:

• Emailing us at info@autismfamilyfriends.com

• DMing us on Instagram @autismfamilyfriendsyvr 

• Or chatting with us through our WhatsApp group if you’re already part of the community.