Welcome to Making Friends: A Social Skills Club for Neurodiverse Teens (Autism, ADHD, Anxiety)!

I am excited to have you join us in a community where friendship, fun, and learning new skills come together! This social club is a place created just for neurodiverse teenagers like you, where you can be yourself, make new friends, and learn social skills in a comfortable and supportive environment.

Here, I believe that everyone has unique strengths and qualities to offer. Whether you're looking to improve your conversation skills, feel more confident in social situations, or just want to meet others who understand what you're going through, this is the place for you.

All the activities we will do together are designed to be engaging and interactive, helping you build connections with others while having a great time. From group games and discussions to role-playing and creative projects, there's something for everyone.

Most importantly, this is a space where you can express yourself freely, without judgment. My goal is to create a positive and welcoming atmosphere where you can learn, grow, and form lasting friendships.

So come on in, make yourself at home, and let's embark on this journey together!

Here are some social skills we will work on together:

1. Building Confidence in Social Interactions

Practice initiating and maintaining conversations.
Learn how to join group activities and discussions.
Develop strategies to handle anxiety in social situations.

2. Empathy and Perspective-Taking

Develop the ability to see things from others' points of view.
Practice showing understanding and support for others' feelings.

3. Developing Active Listening Skills

Learn to focus on what others are saying without interrupting.
Practice paraphrasing or summarizing what someone else has said.
Recognize and respond to verbal and nonverbal cues during conversations.

4. Making and Maintaining Friendships

Learn how to find common interests with others.
Practice how to offer and receive compliments, and how to apologize when needed.

5. Understanding and Managing Emotions

Recognize and label different emotions in yourself and others.
Learn strategies for managing strong emotions like frustration or anger.
Practice expressing your feelings in a way that others can understand.

6. Navigating Social Situations and Group Dynamics

Learn how to join and leave group conversations politely.
Understand different social roles within a group.
Practice problem-solving and conflict resolution in group settings.

Weekly Discussion Topics

Favorite Movies and TV Shows: Share what you're watching and why you love it. This can lead to discovering new shows or movies!

Music and Playlists: Talk about your favorite artists, bands, and genres. Members can create and share playlists, or even introduce each other to new music.

Personal Hobbies and Interests: Share your favorite hobbies, whether it's drawing, writing, sports, or gaming. This can help others discover new interests.

Share Your Favorite Fandom with the group: What fandoms are you currently into? Who is your favorite character in the fandom, and what makes them special to you? Share your passion for this fandom with others in the group!

Social Media Trends: Discuss the latest trends, memes, and viral content. What’s trending on TikTok, Instagram, or other platforms?