Friendship Social Club
For Ages 7 to 12
Making friends isn’t always easy.
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 judgment-free social opportunity for your child—the Friendship Club—where caregivers and children with Autism connect while participating in a shared social opportunity! 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 inclusion.
When Is Friendship Club?
Accepts ages 7 -12 years
Meets the 2nd and 4th Saturday
Each month in person and is
active from September to May
Upcoming Activities:
1/17 Hibernation Day-Movie and PJ’s
1/31 BYO Game Day
2/14 Sharing Love and Kindness
2/28 Space Exploration
3/14 Dr. Seuss Day
3/28 Science Day
4/11 Earth Day
4/25 Hike at Summit County Metro Park
5/9 Show and Tell/Talent Show
5/23 Picnic at a Park
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 stay in the room for the entire meeting for safety reasons.
- Parents are responsible for their child’s personal needs, including restroom breaks and help with activities.
- Unfortunately, the program cannot accommodate friends or younger siblings.
- All participating children must be registered in advance; no walk‑ins allowed.
- Please silence all electronic devices.
- Comfort toys are welcome when needed, but please leave other toys at home.
- Review the Guidelines with your child before each meeting and as needed during the session.
- Connect with other parents—and enjoy the experience!
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 Leader:
Stefanie Farkas
Stefanie is a 17 year veteran Intervention Specialist and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). I am so excited to be helping with our Teen Club and Friendship Club this year because I love having a good time playing games and providing fun experiences for others!
In my free time I like to spend time with my two dogs, cat, and husband. I love sharing pictures of my pets so feel free to ask.
Meet the Leader:
Taryn Cook
My name is Taryn. I am a Master’s level Recreation Therapist and am training to become a Registered Spelling to Communicate (S2C) Practitioner. I am passionate about empowering participants and non-speakers, enhancing quality of life, and fostering independence through purposeful activities. I get to spend most of my time with my daughter and my clients, but I also enjoy art, reading, cooking, and nature! I can’t wait to be a part of the Friendship Club and explore the world of recreation and leisure together!
Social Clubs Made Possible By:
