We are at our best in groups

Human beings are deeply social creatures who are at their best when connected to others in meaningful ways. A common misconception about individuals with autism is they are not interested in social connection with others. In realty children and adults with autism have a wide range of social needs just like anyone else; however, autism often makes navigating the social world more challenging.

Social Skills are a learned behavior

While social skills are an important part of human behavior, we are not born with all the skills and tools we need. Most of our social behaviors are learned. Many children with autism need help learning these important skills and how to use them effectively. Once acquired, these social tools allow children to better engage in friendships and find more success in a variety of social environments.

You’re old and you’re not cool.

Adults don’t get it. If social skills could be learned from a workbook or an adult telling you how to do it, we all would have had an easier time growing up. Our own experiences, as well as research in the area, tell us that teenagers are most open to learning from their peers. MPAC Hangs is a program designed to create structured pro-social environments that foster peer learning in a healthy and supported environment.