Let’s get together with others to share interests, overcome challenges, and form friendships in a supportive environment. Typically, groups meet on the third Saturday of each month.  Each month, we meet at a location around the Mahoning Valley to try out new activities, socialize, and become part of the community around us.

Group 1 –  Tween/Teen Group (ages 12 -17)   11 AM -12:30 PM
Group 2 –  Young Adult Group (ages 18+)         1 PM – 2:30 PM    

Please register at autismmv.org/social.php

Program Details

Social Connections is a monthly friendship-building group appropriate for tweens, teens, and young adults with low to moderate Autism support needs. Individuals should be able to communicate verbally (or communicate well with an AAC device) and be comfortable participating on their own with minimal support. Parents or caregivers can use this hour and a half to run errands, meet up with other parents/caregivers, or observe activities from a distance. We ask that parents and caregivers encourage members to socialize with their peers. 

This monthly social connections group is facilitated by Autism professionals to empower our Autistic community to develop confidence and ease in social situations. Our mission is to create lasting friendships within and beyond our group.

Each group is open to only 21 individuals at this time. Please only register if you plan on attending consistently to promote meaningful relationships. Participants should not miss more than three events per year. For this reason, we are searching for individuals who can participate regularly.

There is no membership fee for this program, only event day expenses. We try to keep event day costs to $20 or less. If an event will cost more, we will do our best to provide plenty of notice. We are actively searching for sponsors to help with future costs and family donations are appreciated!

Social Connections is facilitated by experienced Intervention Specialist Jennifer Grocé with an additional two professional support staff to assist.