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.