The Network: A Social Networking Program for neurodiverse adolescents and young adults.

Group photo of "The Network" showing young men and women sitting around a table playing cards. The Network is a monthly social networking program for high functioning adolescents and young adults on the autism spectrum aged between 16-30 years. The goal is to provide those with ASD an opportunity to meet others and hopefully make connections.

Overview

The Network is a social networking program for neurodiverse adolescents and young adults aged between 16-30 years. The goal is to provide an opportunity to meet others and hopefully make connections. We meet at the beginning of the month in-person and in the middle of the month online and you can choose which meetings to come to.

When and Where

The Network takes place in person and online. We meet in person usually the first Wednesday of the month from 6-7:30 p.m. Sometimes we meet at the UMass Lowell south campus (in Coburn Hall on south campus) and sometimes we hang out somewhere else (e.g. pizza, bowling, etc.). We meet online usually the third Wednesday of the month from 6-7:30 p.m. on a Discord server. During our online meetings we chat and play Jackbox and other games. You will receive a schedule of Network meeting events for the year so you will know what is coming up.

There is a $75 annual fee to participate in The Network. This fee also covers the parent group which meets at the same time and place for our in-person meetings. Scholarships are available for those who cannot afford the fee. Ashleigh Hillier, Ph.D. is the Program Director and Professor of Psychology at the University of Massachusetts Lowell.

Meetings are typically 6-7:30 p.m.

Meetings at UMass Lowell are typically on south campus. Free parking is available behind Coburn Hall in the Coburn Lot on Wilder Street. 

Get instructions for downloading and using Discord.

Sample Schedule 

(Some of the things we typically do):

  • January in-person: New Years Pot Luck Party in Coburn Hall (UMass Lowell). Hang out and play games. 
  • January online: Chat and play games on Discord

  • February in-person: Escapology Escape Room, 345 Main St, Tewksbury, MA 01876.

  • February online: Chat and play games on Discord

  • March in-person Pizza and Movie Night in Coburn Hall (UMass Lowell)

  • March online: Chat and play games on Discord

  • April in-person: Chunky's movie theater in Nashua

  • April online: Chat and play games on Discord

  • May in-person: Games night at UMass Lowell

  • May online: Chat and play games on Discord

  • June in-person: Great Brook farm trail walk and ice-cream.

  • June online: Chat and play games on Discord

  • July in-person: Kimballs Farm in Westford (mini golf, bumper boats etc.)

  •  July online: Chat and play games on Discord

  • August in-person: Heritage Farms ice-cream (Lowell)

  • August online: Chat and play games on Discord
  • September in-person: Apple picking at Parlee Farms in Tynsboro

  • September online: Chat and play games on Discord

  • October in-person: Halloween Party Coburn Hall.

  • October online: Chat and play games on Discord

  • November in-person: Roller skating/lazer tag at Roller Kingdom in Tyngsboro

  • November online: Chat and play games on Discord

  • December in person: UMass Lowell Mean's ice-hockey game at Tsongas Center in Lowell.

Instructions for Discord

If you already have a Discord login, you may join the server by clicking on The Network (UMass Lowell) Discord invitation link.

If you do not have a Discord account, you can follow the steps found on Discord's Getting Started webpage to create an account.

Having the app downloaded is encouraged, as you will not be able to see shared screens if you are only on the online platform.

Once you have your account created, you can click on the above server invitation link and join us!

More information about creating accounts and joining servers for your reference can be found on Discord's How to Set Up Your Discord Account webpage.

If you have any questions or need any help with Discord, please do not hesitate to email Danielle: DanielleMcL15@gmail.com.

What is the main aim of The Network program?

To provide a comfortable environment for group members to meet and make connections with one another both online and in-person. Ideally, people in the group will arrange to meet up outside of The Network and form lasting and rewarding friendships. Another goal is TO HAVE FUN!!

Who is eligible for The Network?

The Network is for neurodiverse adolescents and young adults who are aged between 16 and 30 years, and their parents / caregivers.

Should I attend The Network every month?

It is best to attend The Network as often as possible in order to increase your likelihood of making friends with others in the group. Sometimes you may find a particular meeting more enjoyable than others depending on what activities you like doing.

How much does it cost to participate in The Network?

There is an annual fee of $75 to be a member of The Network. This fee also covers the parent group (scholarships are available for those who cannot afford the fee).

Also, sometimes for the in-person meetings, when we are off campus you may need to bring some money with you. If we go out to eat or to some other event, then you will need money for that and perhaps some spending money too.

Do parents / caregivers attend The Network meetings?

Parents / caregivers have their own separate parent group which takes place at the same time as the group members’ meetings. For the in-person meetings, parents / caregivers typically meet together as a group somewhere close to the group members such as in a room next door if we are on-campus. Parents/caregivers do not meet during the online meetings. The $75 fee also covers the parent group.

Who runs The Network program?

Ashleigh Hillier, Ph.D. is the Program Director and a Psychology professor at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. Ashleigh has spent many years working with autistic adolescents and young adults, particularly in offering various different programs.

In addition, UMass Lowell undergraduate and graduate students are involved in The Network. These students provide excellent role models for those in the program. Many of the students intend to move into professional positions working with neurodiverse individuals when they graduate. Therefore, The Network provides an extremely important opportunity for them to gain experience and the skills they will need to be effective and successful professionals. Students participate for course credit, or as volunteers.

Please see the Volunteer Opportunities tab on this page for more information.

What is the next step for joining The Network?

Please contact Ashleigh by email at Ashleigh_Hillier@uml.edu to sign up, get the meeting schedule, and with any questions.

Contact

Ashleigh Hillier, Ph.D.
Professor
Department of Psychology
University of Massachusetts Lowell
850 Broadway, Suite 300
Lowell, MA 01854-3059
Phone: 978-934-2930
Email: ashleigh_hillier@uml.edu

Enrollment Forms

You can complete The Network Program Enrollment Form. Ashleigh will then review the enrollment and contact you with further details.

Please contact Ashleigh by email at Ashleigh_Hillier@uml.edu with any questions.

Students at the University of Massachusetts Lowell who are interested in getting involved in the Network program should contact Ashleigh Hillier by email at: ashleigh_hillier@uml.edu.