Empire State University's Neurodiversity Club expanding to include teen group

(SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – APRIL 22, 2024) Empire State University’s Neurodiversity Club is expanding with the launch of a teen group on April 23, 2024. The Teen Neurodiversity Club will be held at the Saratoga Springs Public Library and include activities geared toward the interests of older attendees in grades 7-12 who are neurodivergent, along with their friends and families.

Empire State University’s Neurodiversity Club was founded in September 2023, through the Center for Autism Advocacy: Research, Education, and Supports (CAARES) and a partnership with the Saratoga Springs Public Library.

“We wanted to contribute to the development of a local community for Neurodivergent children and teens,” Lauren Allen, assistant director for CAARES, said. “The club is a fun, laid-back place for kids to meet each other, hang out, play games, do art, listen to music, dance, and whatever else they are excited to do with each other. The kids have the ownership of how they spend their time at the events; they choose the activities they are interested in from a variety of options and materials.”

Since its launch, the club has seen a consistent, increasing group of returning kids in each session who continue to drive the mission of the group: connecting with each other. Allen said creating spaces for people who are neurodivergent is essential to foster inclusion and promote belonging in their communities.

“Creating spaces and opportunities for anyone -- and in the case of Neurodiversity Club, Neurodivergent kids and adolescents -- to connect with other people they have shared interests and experiences with is powerful,” Allen said. “The children who attend the Neurodiversity Club sessions are able to forge relationships and ‘just be themselves’ in a space with their peers that centers and values their Neurodivergent identities, serving as another source of belonging in their lives.”

Neurodiversity Club upcoming sessions:

• Teen Neurodiversity Club April 23, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
• Neurodiversity Club May 14, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
• Teen Neurodiversity Club May 28, 4:30-5:30 p.m.