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News Release

IRL SOCIAL SKILLS LAUNCHES INITIATIVE TO COMBAT ONLINE RADICALIZATION BY BUILDING REAL-WORLD SOCIAL CONNECTIONS FOR NEURODIVERGENT YOUTH - 09/17/25

PORTLAND, OR – In an era where digital platforms have become a primary source of connection, a concerning trend is emerging - online extremists are targeting socially isolated young people, particularly those who are neurodivergent. To counter this growing threat, IRL Social Skills, a coaching organization specializing in social skills for the neurodivergent community, today announced an expanded initiative to equip teens and young adults with the skills needed to build a life of connection, belonging, and resilience.

 

Research has increasingly linked social isolation to vulnerability to online harms. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported in 2022 that more than 1 in 10 adolescents (11%) struggle with problematic social media use, often experiencing negative consequences in their daily lives. For neurodivergent youth, who are at a higher risk of cyberbullying and online manipulation, this danger is amplified. Extremist groups exploit the natural human desire for community, offering a false sense of belonging to those who feel unseen and excluded.

 

Mara McLoughlin, MS, CCC-SLP, Founder of IRL Social Skills, views this problem through the lens of a communication scientist and has a direct message for parents and educators. "This is a skills deficit. We have fallen so far short in teaching our teens and young adults how our brains and bodies work together and the skills to establish friendships, in real life," says McLoughlin. "The internet can provide validation for young people who feel left out. Unfortunately, extremist groups weaponize that need for belonging, and it's our responsibility to provide a healthier, more authentic alternative."

 

IRL Social Skills addresses this critical need by providing neurodiversity-affirming social skills coaching, rooted in a research-backed and trauma-informed curriculum. The organization’s programs, delivered live via Zoom to ensure accessibility across the country, go beyond traditional social etiquette. Participants learn and practice essential skills like conversation, choosing healthy friendships based on shared interests, and handling disagreements. The curriculum also integrates neuroscience and body-based training to help individuals with self-regulation and emotional health, creating a holistic approach to building confidence and resilience.

 

By fostering a safe, affirming space for neurodivergent individuals to connect with peers and learn vital communication skills, IRL Social Skills is directly combating the isolation that makes young people vulnerable to extremist narratives. Their mission is to empower a generation to find authentic community in the real world, ensuring that when they feel seen, valued, and connected, they are less likely to be targeted online.


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IRL SOCIAL SKILLS LAUNCHES INITIATIVE TO COMBAT ONLINE RADICALIZATION BY BUILDING REAL-WORLD SOCIAL CONNECTIONS FOR NEURODIVERGENT YOUTH - 09/17/25

PORTLAND, OR – In an era where digital platforms have become a primary source of connection, a concerning trend is emerging - online extremists are targeting socially isolated young people, particularly those who are neurodivergent. To counter this growing threat, IRL Social Skills, a coaching organization specializing in social skills for the neurodivergent community, today announced an expanded initiative to equip teens and young adults with the skills needed to build a life of connection, belonging, and resilience.

 

Research has increasingly linked social isolation to vulnerability to online harms. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported in 2022 that more than 1 in 10 adolescents (11%) struggle with problematic social media use, often experiencing negative consequences in their daily lives. For neurodivergent youth, who are at a higher risk of cyberbullying and online manipulation, this danger is amplified. Extremist groups exploit the natural human desire for community, offering a false sense of belonging to those who feel unseen and excluded.

 

Mara McLoughlin, MS, CCC-SLP, Founder of IRL Social Skills, views this problem through the lens of a communication scientist and has a direct message for parents and educators. "This is a skills deficit. We have fallen so far short in teaching our teens and young adults how our brains and bodies work together and the skills to establish friendships, in real life," says McLoughlin. "The internet can provide validation for young people who feel left out. Unfortunately, extremist groups weaponize that need for belonging, and it's our responsibility to provide a healthier, more authentic alternative."

 

IRL Social Skills addresses this critical need by providing neurodiversity-affirming social skills coaching, rooted in a research-backed and trauma-informed curriculum. The organization’s programs, delivered live via Zoom to ensure accessibility across the country, go beyond traditional social etiquette. Participants learn and practice essential skills like conversation, choosing healthy friendships based on shared interests, and handling disagreements. The curriculum also integrates neuroscience and body-based training to help individuals with self-regulation and emotional health, creating a holistic approach to building confidence and resilience.

 

By fostering a safe, affirming space for neurodivergent individuals to connect with peers and learn vital communication skills, IRL Social Skills is directly combating the isolation that makes young people vulnerable to extremist narratives. Their mission is to empower a generation to find authentic community in the real world, ensuring that when they feel seen, valued, and connected, they are less likely to be targeted online.


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