Girls Night Out

Girls Night Out pairs teens with autism and related developmental disabilities with their peers to help enhance social skills and self-care. This program incorporates evidence-based strategies for mentorship for girls with developmental disabilities. Participants are taught social and self-care skills within natural community settings, which allows them to put their lessons into practice. The program also includes girls without disabilities as trained peer volunteers who help create social opportunities and model the use of skills.

Why participate?

Participating in Girls Night Out provides opportunities to:

  • Meet new people
  • Engage in meaningful connections
  • Improve conversational skills
  • Gain confidence
  • Receive individualized support
  • Celebrate individuality
  • GNO happens in social settings within the community, NOT in a clinic
  • GNO is based on research about girls with and without autism and their families

Who can participate?

  • Girls Night Out Teen: Girls with autism or developmental disabilities, ages 14 - 20
  • Girls without autism or developmental disabilities, ages 14 - 20, who will serve as peer counselors/volunteers

When does this program take place?

  • Once weekly on Fridays, 5:30-7 p.m., beginning June 21 until July 26
  • Locations for activities will take place in the greater Morgantown area.

What is the cost to you?

  • $300 for participants (scholarship assistance for those who qualify)
  • Free to peer volunteers

What do Peer Counselors do?

  • Attend GNO peer training
  • Attend 90% of the once-weekly Friday GNO sessions from June 20 - July 25
  • Demonstrate healthy and genuine social interactions
  • Relate to others and engage in meaningful connections
  • Utilize GNO support to achieve individualized goals; we all have things to work on!
  • Earn community service hours
  • Build and practice social skills and self-care skills
  • Have opportunities to get to know new people and try new things
  • Increase their understanding of developmental disabilities
  • Be a part of a support network for girls and young women of all abilities!