Portland, OR – IRL Social Skills, which provides support to autistic and neurodivergent teens and adults with science backed social and communication skills training, received national recognition in Washington D.C. on October 8.
IRL Social Skills helps participants develop essential social and relational skills to foster connections and self-advocacy, addressing critical mental health concerns, as autistic and neurodivergent individuals are nine times more likely to die by suicide compared to neurotypical peers.
The organization, selected from over 14,000 applicants, was honored by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and its CO— platform, placing IRL Social Skills on the prestigious CO—100: America’s Top 100 Small Businesses list. The program was recognized for its innovation, growth, and employee culture. As the only Oregon honoree in the micro-business category, IRL Social Skills has received the honor for the second consecutive year.
"We’re thrilled to be recognized for the second year in a row and to spotlight the importance of this work," said founder Mara McLoughlin, MS, CCC-SLP. During her visit to D.C., McLoughlin also met with delegates of Senators Merkley and Wyden to expand the program’s reach to more families in need of these vital services.
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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