Friendships can be a challenge to begin and navigate for many teens and young adults on the autism spectrum. Over 61% of teens on the spectrum experience bullying and social isolation, leading to increased mental health challenges, such as depression and suicidal thoughts. As a result, many people have become interested in starting social clubs or meet-ups in their area. (Note: this is a time sensitive issue, and we hope the opportunities to have social experiences in our community will become an option again sometime soon).
Our guests this week are from a non-profit organization called Erin’s Hope for Friends, which is on a mission to create lasting relationships through joyful interactions with teens and young adults on the autism spectrum. It was founded by the Horst family, in their daughter’s loving memory. Erin was a teen with Asperger’s who faced many challenges and decided to take her life. They started their first clubhouse in Georgia and have since opened a couple more and are working on expanding their base into Lexington, Kentucky. They have a teen program and are currently building out their young adult program called E’s Essentials to focus on the intersection of life skills through their social programming.
The mission of this organization is incredible and has a staff that is passionate about meeting the needs of their participants as they grow up and navigate their teen years with each other and most importantly, not alone. I am so excited for our guests to share more about their programming, connections within the community, and their advice to get started in your community.
AUTISM GROWN UP COMMUNITY: https://community.autismgrownup.com/
AUTISM GROWN UP INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/autismgrownup/
AUTISM GROWN UP SHOWNOTES: https://www.autismgrownup.com/agupodcast/
AUTISM GROWN UP PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/autismgrownup