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She is very artistic. We have had her attend some classes at local community arts centers. Tho she has enjoyed the thing she was working on no friendships have developed. She just does her thing and does not talk to anyone. Some things we have looked into cost has been a restriction. Like some programs. The cost was to high. Since she was newly diagnosed this last year with the autism part we are looking into the county’s board of developmental disability’s to see if we qualify for anything.
Finding the right peer group for a shy 16-year-old with autism can feel like searching for a unicorn — but they do exist! The key is finding structured activities where social interaction happens naturally, without pressure.
Here are some great options to explore in SW Ohio:
- Autism-specific social skills groups — Many Show Full Answer
Just to add - what are your daughter's hobbies or interests? Maybe there are small camps that have those interests in your area. Small groups usually attend these camps.
• Autism Connections – Teen Connections & Teen Hangouts: Offers social programs, peer support, and casual in-person hangouts for teenagers (ages 13–18/17) on the autism spectrum. Events like Teen Hangout and In-Person Teen Connections frequently meet at locations such as Linden Grove School in Rossmoyne (Sycamore Township), with registration details available through the Autism Connections Social Programs page.
• Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center – PEERS Program: An evidence-based, 12-week outpatient social skills training program for youth aged 13–18 with autism and related social challenges. It is offered in-person and virtually through the Cincinnati Children's PEERS Program, featuring concurrent separate groups for teens and parents.
• Cincinnati Children's – Regulating Together: An evidence-based group therapy program designed for youth ages 8–18 focusing on emotion regulation, mindfulness, and social flexibility, co-developed by clinical specialists at Regulating Together.
• Stepping Stones: Operates year-round recreational, social, and day camp programs for teens and young adults (ages 5–30) with autism, developmental disabilities, and physical challenges across Greater Cincinnati, detailed on the Stepping Stones Teen Programs page.
Community Support, Advocacy & Social Programs
• Autism Connections Autism Connections
Serves as a primary Southwest Ohio resource offering evidence-based LIFE skills programs (relationships and employment training for teens and adults), social gatherings, and caregiver/adult support groups.
• Ascent Psych and Wellness
Provides neurodiversity-affirming psychological/ASD assessments, individual/group therapy, and parent coaching throughout Cincinnati and Ohio.
• Autism Society Greater Cincinnati
Coordinates local community events and regular peer support gatherings, such as the Adults with Autism Support Group hosted at COhatch Kenwood.
Major Medical & Diagnostic Centers
• Cincinnati Children's Hospital - The Kelly O'Leary Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders
Located at 3333 Burnett Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45229. It provides multidisciplinary diagnostic evaluations, ongoing medical care by developmental pediatricians, speech-language therapy, occupational therapy,
https://www.cincinnaticenterforautism.org/
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