The Network: A Social Networking Program for neurodiverse 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 neurodivergent adolescents and young adults aged between 18-30 years. Members typically identify as autistic and/or as having ADHD. The goal is to provide a safe and affirming space to meet others and hopefully make connections. We meet three times a month - once on campus, once off-campus at a location chosen by the group, and once online on Discord. You can choose which meetings to come to.

If you are interested in joining The Network, or would like to know more, please contact Ashleigh Hillier by email: Ashleigh_Hillier@uml.edu.

When and Where

The Network takes place in person and online. We meet twice in person:

  1. Usually the first Wednesday of the month from 6-7:30 p.m. on campus.
  2. Usually around the third weekend of the month at a location chosen by the group members.
  3. Online on Discord usually the third Thursday of the month from 6-7:30 p.m. During our online meetings we chat and play Jackbox and other games. 

There is a $100 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, Doctor of Philosophy (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.

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 Street, 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

  • 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: Kimball's Farm (mini golf, bumper boats etc.) in Westford, Massachusetts

  • 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 Tyngsboro, Massachusetts.

  • 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 / laser tag at Roller Kingdom in Tyngsboro, Massachusetts.

  • November online: Chat and play games on Discord.

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

What is the main aim of The Network program?

To provide a safe and welcoming 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. Also, TO HAVE FUN!!

Who is eligible for The Network?

The Network is for neurodivergent young adults who are aged between 18 and 30 years, and their parents/caregivers. Group members typically identify as autistic and/or as having ADHD.

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 $100 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 $100 fee also covers the parent group.

Who runs The Network program?

Ashleigh Hillier, Ph.D. is the Program Director and a Psychology professor at UMass 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.