What we’re about
What is Charlotte Connections Club for Young Adults with Autism? Connections Club (for short!) is a loosely structured social club for young adults who identify as having an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or other related developmental disability in the Charlotte, North Carolina area. The purpose is to participate in community-based social activities, build a social network, and share resources with one another.
Who facilitates Connections Club? Dr. Leslie Bross, Assistant Professor of Special Education in the Department of Special Education and Child Development at the University of North Carolina (UNC) Charlotte, is the founder and facilitator of Connections Club. Note the club is not an official student-led club at UNC Charlotte. Rather, it is a community-based club led by Dr. Bross. She is a licensed special education teacher and board certified behavior analyst. She is not providing any type of formal services through the club as the focus is on social networking and community engagement.
Who may join Connections Club? Connections Club is most appropriate for young adults with ASD ages 18-32. Young adults do not need to be students at UNC Charlotte to attend. Young adults without disabilities in that same age range are also invited to join and participate. Note Dr. Bross posts about Connections Club activities in other support groups and organizations (e.g., through Facebook, email, direct communication). Therefore, other young adults across the Charlotte area may be present at Connections Club activities beyond the members through this MeetUp page.
What activities will Connections Club do? We will participate in social activities approximately 3x per academic semester. Potential activities include coffee dates, bowling, eating at restaurants, picnic in a park, and walk/hike on nature trails or greenways. Young adults will be encouraged to build friendships with one another and participate in activities outside of regular club activities as well.
Please note: Connections Club is designed to be a safe and inclusive environment where all are welcome. Different viewpoints are encouraged but no club members will be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Anyone who displays non-inclusive and unwelcoming behavior will be asked to leave club activities.
***If you have questions or would like additional information, please feel free to email Dr. Bross directly at lbross@charlotte.edu.
