Socialization Programs Offer Autistic Youth a Place to Meet Up

UC Santa Barbara’s Koegel Autism Center at the Gevirtz School of Education has introduced two programs designed to support autistic and neurodivergent adolescents in Santa Barbara County. The first, Social Tools And Rules for Teens (START), is an eight-week initiative for ages 12-18 that meets twice weekly to teach social skills through structured activities, group discussions, and real-time practice. Participants explore topics like teamwork, humor, and social media navigation, with clinicians tracking progress via video data and behavioral research. START was developed by Ty Vernon, director of the Koegel Autism Center and associate professor of clinical psychology, in response to local demand for socialization support. Aniela Bordofsky, a clinical psychology doctoral student, co-leads the program and serves as its primary researcher, having transitioned from volunteer to graduate student over a decade. The program emphasizes experiential learning, creating a safe environment where teens can experiment with social strategies without fear of judgment. The second initiative is a neurodiversity-affirming, club-like space where teens voluntarily gather to socialize in a low-pressure setting. Both programs integrate families, with parents joining sessions to reinforce progress at home. Undergraduate clinicians—many studying psychology or biology—facilitate sessions while contributing to ongoing research, analyzing how in-person and online formats impact outcomes. START’s research component distinguishes it from traditional support groups, allowing clinicians to observe immediate improvements, such as increased confidence and peer engagement. Kiera Roux, a fourth-year psychology major and program coordinator, notes the focus on practical skills for high school and adulthood. Ashley Barth, a biological sciences major and clinician, highlights the program’s tangible impact, with teens leaving each session with new experiences and reinforced social tools.