Does anyone know of any support group or social club for high functioning autistic teenagers?

Question

My cousin is almost 17 and very high functioning. He keeps saying he wants a girlfriend and other age-appropriate thoughts. However, he has those social quirks...
I thought a summer camp or social club with other aspergers-type kids would be a great way for him to meet people. I know they're out there. I just wasn't sure where to start looking.
Thanks!

thank you so much for your inout! i guess i should have mentioned that he does participate in football and some other school sponsered activities... he's at that age where he is begining to wonder why he doesn't always fit in with his team - or why the girl he likes doesn't want a date... as a special ed. teacher i thought that if he had a support group of kids who are expereincing similar situations, it would be a good support group for him, as well as connect his parents with parents who are experiencing the same things.

Answer 1

I raised TWO Disabled children as a single parent (and yes, one of my children was Asperger's Syndrome -- High Functioning Autism).

My own suggestions are this: Have you tried Scouting Activities -- you know -- Boy Scouts, does he participate in after school groups or activities, and even how about JROTC At his High School?

Just because someone has a disability -- do NOT overlook the current programs that their non-disabled peers enjoy in the High School -- because they CAN and DO participate in these programs. My own children did the JROTC programs, the Team Sports, the Scouting, etc -- and now that they are adults -- they have fond memories of every program that they participated in -- and this includes horseback riding, rifle/shotgun shooting, fencing clubs, scouting camps, etc.

Answer 2

I have a high-functioning 7 year-old (will be 8 in December) child with two very rare disabilties, but the one presents itself like Aspergers. In finding information about his agenesis of the corpus callosum (where you find children and adults functioning at very low ends to about medium, but, not usually as high as my child's), I have found on MySpace.com, there is an ACC group that consists of young adults, parents, and people (myself included) on the discussion board. He may be able to join that group, or the one on Yahoogroups, which I am on as well. Some are married, college-educated, or in their 30's, and can offer advice about the teen years, and dating. The social cues of Aspergers' kids and ACC kids are usually ones that are not regularly picked up quickly, as they don't usually comprehend body language cues, take language literally, understand concretely, and have trouble with abstract concepts. Music and art seems to be a good outlet for them to express themselves. I know the ACC group has an annual conference; perhaps there is a national or local group for aspergers as well. Look up at NICHEY, or the NIH or NIMH. They may have links to national organizations. The local community may have clubs for teenagers with "special needs" or specific functions for teens that facilitate communication with peers. Have you tried church-based groups? Teenage years can be so rough. Having brain surgery at age 15 taught me a lot (you can look at my website; I have written a few articles about that). he should never, however, keep trying his hardest, and doing his best. You are a very caring person to pose these questions, and to try to help. Perhaps you can start a local support group? That would be quite an accomplishment for you. Contact me if you are interested. Perhaps I can help in some way. I, too, will face this before too long. Good luck, and best wishes. :)

Answer 3

Sorry i do no longer consider something don'tworrybehappy says in any respect yet it particularly is my opinion ... confident it does sound like classic autism too me Thomas exchange into clinically determined as low functioning autism at elderly 3 almost 4 and he's 12 now whether he can say unusual words his speech is amazingly constrained he's likewise nonetheless in nappies, he additionally loves music and workstation video games Thomas may additionally spell extra effective than he can talk, he stimms plenty and plugs his ears plenty besides so too me confident it does sound like classic autism

Answer 4

I know that my state (Pennsylvania) has a group called ASCEND that has peer "buddy" groups. You might want to call your local Autism Society chaper (you can check online) to find out if they can recommend any peer groups.

I'm just wondering, does your cousin know he has autism? I think it is important he is self-aware so he can advocate for himself. He is lucky to have such a good cousin who is willing to take the time to help him with his social life!

Good luck!

Answer 5

Ask him to contact his MD - the office should have a list.