TEEN SOCIAL CLUB

Kick Back with Friends!

2nd and 4th Tuesday Every Month
7:00-8:00 pm  |  Mix of Virtual & In-Person Meetups

After a long day of school, relax and connect with friends in the Teen Social Club!  The middle and high school years are a challenge for everyone, as relationships move from the playground to relationship-based friendships that depend on reading social cues, communication, and emotional reciprocity, all things that can be difficult for someone who lives with autism and other developmental disabilities.  As a result, ASGA offers a Social Club for Teens age 13 to 17 who are looking to make friends and have fun!

WHAT TO EXPECT

By being a member of this group, participants will:

• Reinforce social skills, like turn-taking and showing interest in others’ ideas.
• Have fun together by participating in social activities through a virtual and in-person format.
• Interact in a pleasant environment where individuals can share their interests.
• Respect the differences and similarities between other individuals.
• Develop friendships that will hopefully continue outside of the Club.

The Club is not considered a therapy group and is not equipped for that purpose. It is only intended to provide an opportunity for connections and fun interactions among individuals of a similar age.  The Teen Social Club is free and limited to 15 participants who have strong verbal abilities. 

MEET THE LEADER

My name is Beth Hittie. I am an Intervention Specialist in Columbus, Ohio. You can find me outside most of the time; I enjoy hiking, biking, climbing and swimming. I love music and am always looking for song recommendations! My favorite artist is Bruno Mars. I'm looking forward to the Teen Social Club and getting to know all who attend. See you all soon :)!

GUIDELINES TO PARTICIPATE

• Must be 13-17 years old.
• 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.
  
• What is said in Club meetings, stays in the Club!
  
• Respect everyone’s physical or mental differences.
  
• Please identify yourself every time you speak (because some members are not using video).
  
• Please silence all electronics during virtual meetups.
  
• This is a closed Club. Anyone who has not registered to be a part of the ASGA Teen Social Club (outside friends, siblings, etc.) is not permitted to participate.
  
• If a participant is unwilling to be courteous with others in the Club or refuses to follow the Club guidelines, his/her parents will be notified, and membership in the Club will be suspended.
  
• Make new friends and have fun!

NOTE: Participants must live in one of the five counties in ASGA's service territory: Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit, or Wayne.

DATE / TIME / LOCATION

• Club meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesday each month at 7:00 pm either via Zoom or in-person.
• Zoom meeting invite will be emailed to participates 2 days prior to each meeting.
• An electronic device equipped with a microphone and camera are required to participate using the Zoom platform. Turning the camera on when the club meets is optional.

HOW TO SIGN UP

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 1. 

THANK YOU

We thank the Akron Community Foundation for their support of this program!

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About the Autism Society of Greater Akron

The Autism Society of Greater Akron (ASGA) is part of a nationwide network of affiliates with the Autism Society of America, the nation’s largest and oldest grassroots autism organization. ASGA serves Summit, Stark, Wayne, Portage and Medina counties (OH) and works locally to achieve its mission -- to create connections, empowering everyone in the Autism community with the resources needed to live fully.

ASGA is also a proud member of the Ohio Family Network (OFN), connecting people with disabilities and their families to local information and resources within their communities.  OFN provides opportunities to share ideas, find solutions to common challenges and inspire and strengthen others.