A Place to Belong.
A Community That Gets It.
The YAAS Club is a social group for young adults with autism in Southern Oregon. A safe space to practice socializing, explore the community, and build friendships without judgment.
Socializing Shouldn't Feel Scary.
For many autistic adults, social connections hasn't always felt welcoming. Early experiences of misunderstanding, isolation, or being overlooked can make it hard to trust that there's a place where they truly belong.
But connection isn't about fitting in - it's about being accepted as you are.
Belong grows through shared experiences, familiar faces, and environments where it's okay to show up as you are, whatever the day allows.
Real friendships aren 't built on screens, but through time, presence, and community -- one interaction at a time.
That's what YAAS is for. We host 4-6 events every month—movies, bowling, community outings, game nights—where young adults with autism can practice being social in a space that's safe and completely non-judgmental. Nobody here is going to make you feel weird for having a tic, making a noise, or needing a minute to yourself. Everyone understands.
"The goal isn't to 'fix' anyone. The goal is connection."
Events, Community, Connection
More than just hanging out—it's about building a life.
Monthly Social Events
We host 4-6 events every month—everything from movie nights to bowling to mini golf to community outings. You'll get a text reminder the day before each event so you don't forget.
A Safe, Non-Judgmental Space
If you have a tic, make noises, need to step away for a minute, or just feel awkward—nobody here is going to make you feel bad about it. Everyone gets it.
Community Exposure
A lot of young adults with autism haven't explored their own community because they've been too anxious to try. We go together—which makes it easier.
Connections That Last
Some of our members have made their first real friendships through YAAS. The more you show up, the more familiar faces you see, and the easier it gets.
Support for Families Too
Parents and caregivers are welcome at events. Some members come alone, some come with a parent or a direct support professional (DSP). There's no pressure either way.
Is YAAS Right for You?
- Age Range
YAAS is for young adults with autism, generally ages 18-40. Most of our members are in their 20s and 30s.
- Independence Level
We work best for adults who are relatively independent—people who can participate in group activities. Members can come alone or with a parent/DSP.
- Verbal and Non-Verbal
We welcome both verbal and non-verbal participants. What matters is that the person wants to be there.
- Not a Therapy Program
YAAS is a social club, not a therapeutic or skill-building program. We're just a group of people getting together to hang out.
The Story Behind the Club
We started YAAS about three years ago because we saw a gap nobody was filling.

Our family has a personal connection to autism, and we kept meeting young adults who had aged out of school programs but had nowhere to go. They weren't getting the social practice they needed. They weren't making friends. They were stuck at home, behind screens, because the outside world felt too uncomfortable.
Government funding for autism services is usually tied to specific skill-building outcomes—job training, life skills, measurable goals. That's important work, but it doesn't leave room for something simpler: just hanging out. Just being around other people who understand. Just getting comfortable enough to eventually do things on your own.
"There wasn't a place for this kind of connection in Southern Oregon. So we built one!" - Darus Juarez
Getting Started with YAAS
It's easier than you think.
Check Out Events
Visit yaasclub.org to see what's coming up. We post our monthly calendar so you can plan ahead.
Sign Up
Register for any event that interests you. We'll send you a text reminder the day before.
Show Up
Come by yourself, with a parent, or with a DSP—whatever works for you. There's no pressure.
Keep Coming Back
The more you show up, the easier it gets. You'll start recognizing faces and making connections.
How We Keep This Running
YAAS Club is a nonprofit funded by individuals and local businesses (including our own!). Thanks to these businesses and individuals, we can keep event costs low and make this accessible.
If YAAS has made a difference for your family, or if you just believe in what we're doing, you can contribute directly through our website.
Ready to Join Us?
Check out our upcoming events and find one that sounds fun. There's no commitment, no pressure—just show up and see how it feels.