My 12 yo has a hard time making and keeping friends, as most do not understand what Autism is. I have him enrolled in a social club for 2 schools in my area. It was a good thing for a while, but sometimes, he was being excluded. Still trying to find other places for him to "fit in" with NT's....

Thanks Julie. We tried a new club on Monday, and there were 6 or 7 kids there. The Lead person had lots of activities and queried the kids about their interests. They settled on going to a go-kart track next week, which was a bit surprising to me. But at least there was good human interest too, and that's part of the goal.

Hi Martin- my sister runs a "Gamers Club" for teens on the spectrum. They meet once a week. Attendance is generally anywhere from 3 to 18- but averages around 12.
She got a grant to buy the equipment and games and a local business allows them to use the space.
It's worked out well, as they can relax and be themselves- less pressure, and they all have a common interest in video games.

Thank you Someday.

My son (16) started attending a social skills group a couple of months ago. The group meets with a couple of counselors, they do a little social skills then go and do a social outing. One of the other moms and I are starting a social group for teens that are high functioning and on target for a regents diploma. We will be doing kind of the same thing but there will be parent involvement. Some friendships have developed in the existing group. My son, being new, knows only one of the girls he goes to school with. Bottom line, I think that if you put a group of similar functioning teens together they will be able to relate on some level. For my son I know he will be doing something at least once per month. Otherwise he just doesn't do anything because he has no friends...very sad. Hope this helps.