Press Releases

Social Support Groups Build a Sense of Community for Georgians with Autism

June 17, 2019 (Atlanta, GA) – The Greater Chattanooga Aspies (GCA) Centre for Adult Autism launched social support groups in North Georgia and Metro Atlanta to bring awareness to the lack of social supports for Georgians on the autism spectrum, including children and young adults.

“The purpose of the group is for people on the autism spectrum to build their own communities and social circles. What we find is that a lot of children on the autism spectrum seem to lack friends or the opportunity to make friends,” said Scott Kramer, program director and founder of GCA.

The GCA social support groups meet in Dalton, Roswell and Atlanta where individuals with disabilities can socialize with others and make friends. Kramer also emphasized the plans to increase their presence in the city and across Georgia.

The group appeals to people of all ages so children and adults can build a sense of community as they get older. Most importantly, it’s important for them to build a community “between meetings.”

“We established early on that it’s important for these individuals to connect outside of the meetings,” he explained. “Connect with each other socially – go to the movies, hang out and really build long-lasting friendships.”

The groups of northwest Georgia meet at Dalton State College or the Anna Shaw Institute. The Metro Atlanta North Social Support Group meets at the East Roswell Library; and the Metro Atlanta Intown Group meets at Kirkwood Public Library.

Learn more about the GCA Centre for Adult Autism and their local social support groups in the latest edition of Making a Difference magazine.

About the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities: The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is the State's leader in advancing public policy on behalf of persons with developmental disabilities. Its mission is to bring about social and policy changes that promote opportunities for persons with developmental disabilities and their families to live, learn, work, play and worship in Georgia communities. www.gcdd.org

MEDIA CONTACT:

Hillary Hibben, Media Relations Director
Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities
404.657.2121 (office) | 470.698.3062 (cell)