FRIENDSHIP CLUB
Meets 2 Saturdays a Month  |  Accepts ages 7 to 12

Making friends isn’t always easy. And it can be especially challenging for kids with Autism. The Autism Society of Greater Akron has created a social opportunity for your child—the Friendship Club—where children with Autism can gather with other children just like them!  It is a safe space to have fun, learn and make social connections.  Strengthening social skills can help enhance participation in the community and support outcomes like happiness and friendships.  

 

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES 

You must be a member of the Club to receive activity details needed to attend the following: 

4/13  10:00 - 11:00 am   |   Spring is Finally Here!  

4/27  10:00 - 11:00 am   |  LEGO Masterpieces 

5/4    10:00 - 11:00 am   |  May the Force (Fourth) Be with You 

5/18  10:00 - 11:00 am   |  Super STEM 

NOTE:  The Friendship Club is active from September-May and will take a break over the summer.   

 

GUIDELINES TO PARTICIPATE 

Children: 

• Must be 7 -12 years of age. 
• Respect the other members in the group. Listen to their ideas and allow them to finish talking before you begin. 
• Different opinions or interests are OK. We are all entitled to our own point of view. Try to be positive. 
• Respect everyone’s physical or mental differences. 
• Please silence all electronics. 
• No cursing or name-calling. 
• Be kind and make new friends! 
  
  

Parents: 

• Parents must remain in the room for the entire meeting for safety purposes. Parents are responsible for attending to their child’s personal needs, including going to the restroom and helping them during planned activities, if needed. 
• The structure of this program does not allow for friends or younger siblings to participate. For planning purposes, registration is required, and walk-ins cannot be accepted.  
• Please silence any electrical devices. 
• Unless a toy helps to lessen anxiety, please do not allow your child to bring toys from home.  We will have a Show & Tell Day in the future. 
• Please review the Guidelines with your child at home before each meeting and, if necessary, during the meeting.  
• Network with other parents and have fun! 

Reminder: This social club is intended to foster friendships in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere. It is not intended as therapy or treatment for Autism or any mental health or physical disorder. The Autism Society of Greater Akron is not able to provide medical or psychotherapeutic advice, diagnosis or treatment.  The club is free and limited to 10 participants with strong verbal skills.

 

MEET THE LEADERS 

KATELYN KOPPELBERGER 

Katelyn is very excited to be leading a social group for ASGA! She is the mom of two amazing little boys with Autism who keep her very busy. She teaches  students identified as gifted and talented in Akron Public Schools. Katelyn has 20 years of experience planning and facilitating programs for nonprofits, and she can't wait to bring fun ideas to the Friendship Club! She loves sci-fi,  collects trolls, and if she went to Hogwarts, she would be a Hufflepuff!  

 

 

 

WENDY CLINE, LSW

Wendy has a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Grove City College, an Ohio teaching certificate for high school science from The Ohio State University, and is an Ohio Licensed Social Worker.  As an educator and a parent of a child on the Autism spectrum, Wendy witnessed the struggles that result because of a lack of understanding about Autism in the classroom. She is a strong advocate for faculty and student-peer Autism education, teen-to-adult independent living services, and opportunities that increase the quality of everyday life for those with Autism and their families. Wendy and her husband, Mike, currently reside in Portage County with their labradoodle. They have three married daughters and a near-perfect grandson.

 

SIGN UP HERE TO BECOME A CLUB MEMBER

Space is limited, so REGISTER HERE today.  We look forward to having you!

QUESTIONS 

If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact Wendy Cline, LSW and ASGA Support Specialist via email here or via phone at 330.940.1441 ext 9.  

 

SOCIAL CLUBS ARE MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY GRANTS FROM: