Buddy Meetups

Fostering friendships through mentorship, inclusive activities, and real-world social learning

Buddy Meetups is an in-person, inclusive social development program designed for neurodiverse students in grades K–12. The program aims to build confidence, strengthen communication skills, and foster lasting peer relationships through engaging casual social outings, festive community events, and paired teamwork projects and presentations—all supported by 1:1 teen mentors.

Our unique approach emphasizes natural social interactions in real-world settings, offering students opportunities to connect through interactive playdates, small group activities, and collaborative team challenges. Rather than relying on traditional classroom-based instruction, students engage in immersive, experience-based social learning with individualized mentor support as needed.

Participants are thoughtfully matched with trained teen mentors and grouped with peers based on shared interests, communication styles, and support needs. Activities are designed to promote authentic connection, flexible peer dynamics, and social-emotional growth, and are guided by a certified BCBA and experienced PEERS providers to ensure a supportive and inclusive environment.

Buddy Meetups is part of the Belmont Parks and Recreation V.O.I.C.E.S. initiative and is offered at no cost through the generous support of the Opening Doors PTA. The program is open to all neurodiverse students in grades K–12, with priority enrollment for Belmont city residents and Opening Doors PTA members. All sessions are supervised by a dedicated team of professionals, including city staff, a board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA), and two trained PEERS providers.

Zoom Meetups

Inspiring connection through creativity, conversation, and virtual peer engagement

This program brings kids together online in a safe, interactive environment where they can connect from the comfort of home. It’s ideal for those who prefer virtual interactions or live far apart. Kids Hangout Club develops a unique, peer-to-peer model designed to foster creativity, spark curiosity, and enhance social skills. Using carefully selected educational and engaging videos, the program initiates conversations that inspire kids to ask questions, share ideas, and explore the world together. This dynamic approach not only improves conversation skills but also allows kids to build lasting connections with peers in a fun and exciting way. This program has incorporated the PEERS curriculum since fall 2024. All of our Zoom Meetups are led by passionate teen co-hosts, Rianne Supie Mohammed and Alexia Westwood, under the supervision of Anita Yu, a compassionate  PEERS-certified provider, and they are completely free! This FREE program is offered by Opening Doors PTA and is open to all neurodiverse students in 4–12th grades, with priority enrollment given to Opening Doors PTA members.