First Steps Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities

08/18/2026

📣 **Adult Neurodivergent Support Group Schedule Update**

Beginning in **July**, our **Adult Neurodivergent Support Group** will now meet on the **3rd Friday of each month** from **5:30–7:00 PM**.

📅 **This month's group will be Friday, August 21 from 5:30–7:00 PM.**

📍 **The Harbor**
395 11th St.
Astoria, OR 97103

We know that schedule changes can be inconvenient, and we're sorry for any disruption this may cause. We truly hope you'll still be able to join us! 💙

Our group is a welcoming, neurodiversity-affirming space where autistic and otherwise neurodivergent adults can connect with others who understand, share experiences, and build community in a supportive environment.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support. We look forward to seeing you!

Event Timing: Friday July 172026 from 5:30pm-7Pm Event Address: "The Dock" 395 11th Street Astoria, Or 97103 Contact us at (503) 791-4088 or [email protected]

08/02/2026

A huge **THANK YOU** to Walmart Supercenter Warrenton - SE Ensign Lane Walmart Supercenter Warrenton - SE Ensign Lane (1791 SE Ensign Lane, Warrenton, OR) for the incredibly generous **$2,000 grant** that we were honored to accept during yesterday's Grand Reopening celebration!

Your support means so much to us and to the neurodivergent individuals and families we serve. Every dollar helps us continue providing free programs, resources, and opportunities for our community.

We are truly grateful for your partnership and confidence in our mission. We promise to put this gift to good use—thank you for helping us make a difference! 💙

07/07/2026

📣 **Adult Neurodivergent Support Group Schedule Update**

Beginning in **July**, our **Adult Neurodivergent Support Group** will now meet on the **3rd Friday of each month** from **5:30–7:00 PM**.

📅 **This month's group will be Friday, July 17, from 5:30–7:00 PM.**

📍 **The Harbor**
395 11th St.
Astoria, OR 97103

We know that schedule changes can be inconvenient, and we're sorry for any disruption this may cause. We truly hope you'll still be able to join us! 💙

Our group is a welcoming, neurodiversity-affirming space where autistic and otherwise neurodivergent adults can connect with others who understand, share experiences, and build community in a supportive environment.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support. We look forward to seeing you on **July 17**!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSccr-Vwy4YDrTE_Tehl3aWKU4oUqEPUWAACtbuGh1gKlYxReQ/viewform?usp=header

07/03/2026

07/03/2026

Dear First Steps Families,

We (Clatsop County Developmental Disability Advisory Committee) are putting on our first annual I/DD Community Barbecue this July 26th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at Cullaby Lake north shelter area in Clatsop County.

This is a free event including parking, food, snow cones, ice cream, entertainment, music, games, disability resources, socialization and an all around fun get together.

There is a covered area with picnic tables, also a playground and an area to play volleyball or badminton. There will be disability service providers and community organizations on hand to share resources and build relationships. If your group would like to be involved, please contact Kari.

Our very own self-advocate DJ Ben will be providing the music. We will have co****le boards set up with our very own local Oregon State Co****le Bag Queen Kelly on hand to demonstrate and teach anyone interested.

Someone will be cooking up some smash burgers and dogs for those hungry individuals and we will have chips and condiments. Ice cream and snow cones will also be served up.

Please RSVP to Kari by July 10th to help us plan for food. Hope to see you there!

Stronger Together!

06/27/2026

Come visit First Steps Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities today at the Lower Columbia Q Center's Pride Month Block Party! 🌈

You'll find us in the grassy area behind Fort George Brewery in the Sensory-Friendly Zone.

Stop by to:
🩷 Make a Pride bracelet
🎨 Paint a kindness rock
🎧 Borrow a pair of noise-canceling headphones if you need a sensory break

Whether you're looking for a fun activity or a quiet place to recharge, we'd love to see you. Happy Pride! 🏳️‍🌈

06/27/2026

The Rascal Rodeo is coming back to The Clatsop County Fair this year!

🤠🐴 Get ready for an unforgettable evening at the Rascal Rodeo at the fair! 🐴🤠

Join us as local children and adults with special needs take center arena to experience the thrill of the rodeo in a fun, safe, and supportive environment. From riding horses to interacting with rodeo animals, every participant gets the chance to be a cowboy or cowgirl for the day!

The Rascal Rodeo is all about inclusion, smiles, and making memories that last a lifetime. Come cheer on these amazing participants and help us celebrate the true spirit of community and rodeo.

❤️ Don't miss this heartwarming event at the fair!

05/14/2026

✨ Neurodivergent Adult Support Group ✨

We hope everyone in our community is healthy and thriving! We’re excited to share that our Adult Neurodivergent Support Group is happening Thursday, May 21 at 6:00 PM at The Dock (395 11th St, Astoria).

This group is co-hosted by First Steps and The Harbor and is a welcoming space for neurodivergent adults to connect, share experiences, build community, and just be — without masking, without pressure, and without judgment.

In addition to connection and community, this group will also focus on helping neurodivergent adults work through lived experiences and trauma in a supportive, art-based therapeutic way. Together we’ll explore creative expression as a way to process, reflect, and support healing in a space that honors neurodivergent experiences.

Whether you’re looking for support, friendship, resources, or simply a place where you don’t have to explain yourself, this space is for you.

📍 The Dock
395 11th St, Astoria
🗓 Thursday, May 21,2026
⏰ 6:00 PM

We’d love to see you there. You belong here. 💛

Registration is required. Please register below!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1MbIrzTrtKlQZLQNZlsZfO2qLP3xWXYRcEyFVetkISlE/edit?chromeless=1

04/13/2026

Missed Color the Coast for Autism this past weekend but still want to support a great cause and grab a cool shirt? 💙

Good news—I’ve got a few leftovers!
Available sizes: Adult Large and Adult XL
Just $10 each!

All proceeds go directly to support First Steps Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities and the families we serve right here in our community.

Message me if you want one before they’re gone!