Our guide for all kinds of kids made it clear: Main Line parents with neurodivergent kids benefit from connecting with families just like theirs. In support groups, families share struggles, advice, and successes with other parents navigating similar situations. Social groups allow neurodivergent children to develop social awareness and more flexible thinking. It’s a win for everyone.

But, where can families with atypical kids find social support? Start with the resources below.

Ways that Parents of Neurodivergent Kids Find Their Village

Looking for support and social groups for neurodiverse families? Shared experiences enable parents to make friends and introduce their children to other kids. A good place to start is with Main Line organizations and therapeutic resources that serve children with cognitive disabilities. 

Main Line Resources for Parents

Get familiar with these resources that support Main Line parents of neurodivergent kids. Meet other parents and discover safe places for families of kids with disabilities.

Special Needs Collective

Greater Philadelphia area, 610-331-8175

Main Line mom Erica Desper’s struggles with her child’s learning differences began in preschool. She founded the Special Needs Collective to help other parents of special needs children find their village. Discover a multitude of support, including therapists for behavior, speech, movement, socialization, and play, plus education advocates in their Directory of Recommended Providers. 

Valley Forge Educational Services

1777 N Valley Road, Malvern, 610- 296-6725

In the Main Line area, Valley Forge Educational Services offers many programs and events for children and adults with special needs. Each winter, Valley Forge Educational Services holds a Neurodiverse Resource Fair and Summer Camp Expo. Their Specialized Recreation Services provide a supportive social setting for children and young adults with cognitive disabilities.

Parent to Parent of Pennsylvania

6340 Flank Dr #600, Harrisburg, 717-540-4722

Meeting other parents going through similar challenges can be a lifesaver for those raising children with special needs. Run by parents of children with disabilities, Parent to Parent of PA provides a Match program. Parents “get matched” with someone who shares similar experiences. Watch for Main Line events, such as their Virtual Parent Café Series, a supportive social space held in the spring and fall.

Main Line Play and Social Groups for Kids and Teens

Help autistic kids flex their social brain while meeting other parents of neurodivergent kids. Make connections and help kids practice social and coping skills in organized groups, therapeutic services, and even summer camp for neurodivergent kids. 

In-Sync and Social

202 N Monroe Street, Media, 484-321-1358

Maria Slavin, founder of In-Sync and Social in Media, Pennsylvania, believes that human purpose and fulfillment are all about relationships. In addition to coaching and occupational therapy, she hosts social-emotional learning groups for ages 6–21. Children on the autism spectrum or with other cognitive disabilities meet weekly with peers grouped by age. Look for comedy-improv groups for neurodivergent tweens, teens, and young adults.

The Art of Friendship

600 Haverford Road, Suite G-101, Haverford, 610-649-1080

Based in Haverford, the Art of Friendship Social Coping Program specializes in social groups for neurodiverse children. They run multiple peer groups for preschoolers, elementary, and high school kids across the Main Line and Philadelphia. For teens, they hold a monthly Pegasus Social Club, where youth 13–19 socialize, enjoy new experiences, and have fun.

For a social summer experience, check out Mini-Camp Pegasus, a popular summer camp for neurologically atypical kids. 

2BeSocial

1440 Phoenixville Pike, West Chester, 610-883-3320

Tara Trievel, a Certified Autism Specialist, holds social groups every other Saturday for 60-75 minutes in Downingtown. Based on Social Thinking principles, 2BeSocial groups provide a supportive space for neurodivergent teens. Together they build meaningful connections, practice social skills, and grow in confidence. 

ASERT

Eastern PA region, 877-231-4244

ASERT is an Eastern Pennsylvania resource that provides access to information and services for individuals with autism and their families. Find social groups organized by county for people on the autism spectrum to engage in social activities. 

Inclusive Hang Outs in the Main Line

Around the Main Line, parents of neurodivergent kids can hang out and play in inclusive spaces where neurodiverse kids and families feel at home. 

GET Café

46 Haverford Avenue, Narberth

Bright and cheerful, GET Café is a welcoming, inclusive coffee shop in Narberth. Employing both neurotypical and neurodivergent individuals, the cafe provides a community setting for meaningful and respectful social experiences. Pop in for great, locally-sourced coffee and treats, and a friendly atmosphere. 

Game On State

31 W. State Street, Media, 610-566-7529

Find Game On State in Media by its brightly-colored awning above the entrance. Inside this inclusive arcade is a wonderland of vintage and modern games, and a candy shop. Guests of all abilities are welcome to enjoy gaming and sweets.

Game on State also provides meaningful employment to individuals with disabilities, who make up part of their staff.

Online Autism Support Groups

Many parents find other parents’ experiences, understanding, and insight to be their greatest resource. Check out these groups for parents of neurodivergent kids:

• Main Line Special Needs Parents: This forum is for parents in Greater Philadelphia with a neurodivergent child, including executive functioning challenges, ADHD, and ASD.
• Main Line & Philly Parents of Neurodivergent Kids: Erica Desper, a local parent who is also navigating her child’s learning differences, began this Main Line area forum.

Consider expanding the search for a group into larger, non-local online support communities:

• Autism & Special Needs Parents Support Group: This Facebook group of 38K+ members is for parents and caregivers of children with autism and special needs. 
• Special Needs Parenting: Created by an autism dad, this Facebook group of 17K members welcomes parents of kids with cognitive disabilities.
• Reddit Forum: In the Autism Parenting Reddit group, parents can ask questions, share experiences, and get support from a community of 61K members. 

Finding Community for Main Line Parents of Neurodivergent Kids

For neurodiverse families, local resources that offer sensory-friendly experiences in the Main Line, along with community, connections, and learning, make the parenting journey easier. By connecting with supportive communities, families can find kinship, practical guidance, and opportunities for kids to socialize and thrive. 

Lead photo courtesy of Canva.