in Columbus, OH
Inclusive Programs for Neurodivergent Humans
“I feel happy—my confidence has gotten better. I feel confident showing others my projects and ideas. I believe people will listen to me and not just think I’m weird.”
-COTS Participant
Looking For Purpose? Come Join Us!
All you have to do is show up and be yourself.
Weekly Adult Meet-up
We don’t “practice.” We do. Come hang out with us!
Welcome to the best social skills group in Columbus. Most of us are sick of “practicing” how to interact with people.
So, instead of sitting in a conference room playing pretend, we just go to an actual real-world place and socialize, crazy right?
We find places to connect that work for our crew, sensory-friendly or sensory-seeking, and will be there to support you along the way. Nervous? That’s ok, we were our first time too! Our Program Director will email with you and/or have a 10 minute video call to give you a familiar face for when you decide to join us at a meet-up.
Autism-Friendly Speed Dating/Friending
Every quarter we meet new friends and dates who can communicate and date independently.
Each event goes from 4-6 pm at The Olde Oak 62 Parsons Ave Columbus Ohio 43215. The whole space is closed, except to us.
We end each event with dinner if you want to stay and continue to hang out after. We’d love to see you at our next event!
Art Programming
Art is a hugely helpful way to practice social skills, express emotions, and quite honestly, just have a lot of fun!
We offer a 5-week intensive for artists who want to take the next step in becoming a professional artist. We end the five weeks with an art show at a gallery here in Columbus.
We also offer private art lessons in an art studio for small groups or one-on-one sessions.
Submit Your Art
Want your work displayed in a real art studio?
Submit your artistic creations to columbusonthespectrum@gmail.com and see your art featured on the walls of Studio18!
You can also show off your graphic design talents with our ongoing T-shirt contest.
There will be multiple winners and no due date, so submit at any time.
Submit your designs to: columbusonthespectrum@gmail.com.
Whole Self Program
Ready to transform your life?
Tired of having so much difficulty socializing that you believe you'll never have friends or fall in love? Tired of having everything planned for you? Learn the skills you need to take back your independence.
This 7-hour weekly intensive, led by our founder Mehri, includes:
Small group (4 people or less) sessions.
2 hours to learn a new skill with your team—learn how to write a resume, grill a hamburger, use Adobe Creative Suite, navigate transportation services, and anything else your heart desires.
2 hours of deep discussions on your values and dreams.
2 hours of weekly group outings to develop social skills.
1 hour of one-on-one time with our Program Director to set and track your goals.
You’ll connect with Columbus' needs, find your purpose, and learn how to bring your whole self to the table.
Corporate Training and Small Business Trainings
1 in 36 children in America are born with autism. This number continues to grow each year... but what does that have to do with your company?
If you’re not educated on how to best communicate and work with people on the spectrum, your business is missing out. Don't get left behind!
Get your hands on our corporate training program for best practices when hiring, training, and retaining employees on the spectrum.
Do any of these programs sound like what you need? Reach out to get started!
“I taught myself how to use Uber to be able to attend the meet-ups on my own.”
-COTS Participant
Come hang with us!
Just reach out and tell us which events you’d like to attend—we can’t wait to see you there.
Join Our Neurodiverse Universe!
Finding a home doesn’t have to be hard—here’s how to join us.
1
Find Us on Socials
Connect with us on Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date on all of our upcoming events.
2
Get in Touch
Get in touch with our Program Director, Mehri, by filling out the form below to get involved or learn more.
Do it now or you’ll forget!
3
Come to an Event
Meet up with us at one of our weekly outing events or other programs.
Beginning in 2025, we will be asking for sliding scale donations for our programs. More details to come as we develop the best possible programs and systems for your brain and ours! :)