Just Hanging Out, launched in September 2025, creates welcoming spaces where neurodivergent youth and young adults can build confidence, make friends, and feel a true sense of belonging. Through fun, low-pressure activities and supportive social hangouts, Just Hanging Out encourages authentic connection and creativity while meeting each person where they are.
Created by a neurodivergent Speech-Language Pathologist, Just Hanging Out is built on a commitment to celebrate identity, autonomy, and inclusion. Every activity is designed to allow each person to engage in the way that works best for them while honoring their unique communication styles and preferences. Some activities will be all-inclusive and open to anyone interested in celebrating community and connection across differences. Other events may include specific parameters, such as age range or level of support needs. These groupings are thoughtfully designed to maximize each person's experience, offering the right balance of structure, support, and peer connection.
​
We offer two signature activity tracks:
-
The Hangout – for participants who are ready to engage independently.
-
The Buddy Zone – for those who thrive with the added support of a caregiver, sibling, or friend.
​
By offering both open and tailored events, Just Hanging Out makes sure every experience is meaningful, supportive, and inclusive, meeting everyone where they are and giving them space to grow and thrive. Scroll down to learn more.
​
Safety & Support
At Inclusively Empowered Angels, the safety and well-being of every participant comes first. Our volunteers are carefully vetted and trained to reflect our commitment to neurodiversity-affirming support, creating an environment that is both safe and welcoming.
Supervision is light but attentive, with about one volunteer for every five participants. Volunteers are there to provide oversight and gentle verbal guidance when needed, while encouraging independence, confidence, and meaningful engagement.
Although Just Hanging Out is developed by an SLP with the aim of encouraging positive social communication and engagement, the activities are not a therapeutic service. No direct communication intervention or speech therapy will be provided.
The Hangout
For teens and young adults ready to hang out on their own, The Hangout offers drop-off activities that balance fun and independence. Each meet-up uses creative activities with relaxed social time to give participants the chance to practice communication, grow friendships, and simply be themselves in a safe space.
The Hangout! is designed for teens or young adults who can participate independently in guided activities with minimal to no support.
Participants should be able to remain safely in the group and not be at risk for eloping. While volunteers provide group support, 1:1 support is not available.
The Hangout is all about independence, confidence, and connection.
The Buddy Zone
For participants who thrive best alongside a sibling, caregiver, mentor, or friend, The Buddy Zone offers paired activities designed for collaboration, creativity, and fun. These sessions encourage relationship-building while keeping the environment inclusive and low-pressure.
The Buddy Zone requires sign-up of both participants (the teen/young adult and their buddy). The buddy’s role is to engage in activities together and provide support if needed, ensuring a positive and empowering experience.
The Buddy Zone is about learning, creating, and connecting together with other families.