IRL Social Skills Named One Of America's Top 100 Small Businesses For The Second Consecutive Year -09/06/24

Portland, OR - The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and CO— its award-winning digital platform for small businesses — announced on September 5 that IRL Social Skills was chosen for the CO—100: America’s Top 100 Small Businesses list. This is the second consecutive year that IRL Social Skills has been honored with this award. 

IRL Social Skills was selected out of more than 14,000 applicants by a panel of judges for its overall growth driven by innovative ideas, resilience, and strong employee culture. The list includes a diverse array of small businesses of all sizes and industries located in 31 states and Washington, D.C. IRL Social Skills is one of three businesses honored from Oregon, and the only honoree from Oregon recognized in the micro-business category.

“We are thrilled to receive this honor for the second year in a row and for the opportunity to highlight our work. The award also gives us the chance to shine a light on how autistic and neurodiverse teens, adults, and their families need support navigating social, academic, and work situations. The work of IRL Skills contributes to their opportunities for personal and professional success, as well as improved mental health,” said founder, program director and speech-language pathologist, Mara McLoughlin, MS, CCC-SLP.

IRL Social Skill’s programs focus on relational, social, and communication skills. These skills help autistic and neurodivergent people forge social connections and advocate for their needs. Learning these skills can be life-saving, as autistic and neurodivergent people are nine times more likely to die by suicide than neurotypical peers. 

About IRL Social Skills: IRL Social Skills is a supportive community where autistic and other neurodivergent teens, young adults, and adults can learn, practice, and refine social skills. Each program has no more than 12 participants and their parents/caregivers. While teens/young adults are receiving instruction and practicing their new skills with peers and IRL coaches, parents join a breakout room to receive research-backed guidance to support their loved one across social settings.

 

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