For many families, the teen years bring increasing expectations but decreasing support. As social demands grow, many neurodivergent adolescents are left without structured environments that truly support connection, communication, and independence.
Too often, after-school time becomes a period of supervision rather than growth. Opportunities to build friendships, develop confidence, and practice real-world skills are limited. To make matters worse, most after-school enrichment programs end at age 12, leaving teens with autism & or other neurodivergent learning needs ages 13 & up. without a safe, supportive, educational, and fun place to go to not only have fun, but also thrive.
Mosaic Minds Center for Autism & Neurodivergent Learning was created to change that. Our Teen Social Group provides a structured, supportive, and developmentally responsive environment where teens are guided, not judged, and empowered to grow socially, emotionally, and independently.
Why Mosaic Minds Is Different
At Mosaic Minds, the Teen Social Club is intentionally designed to be more than a place where Neurodivergent teens simply spend time after school. It is a structured, development-focused experience where every moment is purposeful and aligned to support meaningful growth.
Unlike traditional programs that rely heavily on unstructured activities, Mosaic Minds provides a carefully designed environment where social interaction is continuously guided and supported throughout the day. Teens are not left to navigate social situations alone; instead, they are actively coached and encouraged as they build communication skills, develop peer relationships, and gain confidence in social settings. The program operates within a small-group, high-support environment, allowing for individualized attention and meaningful engagement. Emotional self-regulation is not treated as an isolated skill, but is embedded throughout the program, giving participants consistent opportunities to learn, practice, and apply coping strategies in real time. A distinguishing feature of the program is access to the Multisensory Environment (MSE), which supports sensory regulation, focus, and emotional balance. This integration ensures that participants are better able to engage in social and learning experiences with a greater sense of calm and readiness. The Teen Social Club is led by an experienced special education professional, ensuring that the program is grounded in both research-based practices and a deep understanding of neurodivergent learners.
A Structured Experience Designed for Real Growth
Each day within the Teen Social Group is thoughtfully structured to promote growth across multiple areas of development. Rather than separating skills into isolated lessons, the program integrates learning throughout the entire experience. Participants engage in guided social communication practice, where they learn how to initiate and maintain conversations, interpret social cues, and interact more effectively with peers. Self-advocacy is also a central focus, with teens learning to express their needs, make decisions, and navigate real-world situations with increasing independence. The program also emphasizes life and job readiness skills, helping participants develop responsibility, task completion, cooperation, and problem-solving abilities that are essential for long-term success. Emotional self-regulation support is woven throughout the day, allowing teens to recognize, manage, and respond to their emotions in constructive ways. Sensory regulation is supported through intentional use of the Multisensory Environment, providing opportunities for participants to reset, refocus, and maintain engagement. This comprehensive and integrated approach ensures that learning is not only taught but also practiced in meaningful, real-life contexts.
A Safe, Supportive, and Intentional Environment
Mosaic Minds is committed to creating an environment where teens feel safe, supported, and respected. The program maintains low staff-to-student ratios to ensure that each participant receives the individualized attention needed to succeed. The Teen Social Club is led by a highly experienced educational leader with over 28 years of experience in special education and leadership. She holds North Carolina licensure as a School Superintendent, School Administrator/Principal, Exceptional Children (EC) Director, Exceptional Children Teacher, and General Education Teacher. This depth and breadth of professional expertise ensure that the program is grounded in evidence-informed practices and a comprehensive understanding of neurodivergent learners across educational and developmental settings.
Staff are carefully selected and trained to work specifically with neurodivergent adolescents. They are equipped to support communication, behavior, and emotional development in a positive, responsive, and developmentally appropriate manner.
The program utilizes a proactive behavior model that focuses on understanding, prevention, and skill-building rather than reactive discipline. Structured routines are a key component of the environment, providing predictability and stability that help participants feel comfortable, confident, and ready to engage. In addition, each participant completes an intake process prior to enrollment, ensuring that placement is appropriate and that supports are aligned with individual needs. This intentional design allows Mosaic Minds to maintain a high-quality program where participants can grow, connect, and thrive within a safe, supportive, and professionally guided setting.
What Your Teen Will Gain
Through consistent participation in the Mosaic Minds Teen Social Club, your teen will experience growth that extends far beyond a typical after-school program. In a structured and supportive environment, teens are guided as they build meaningful peer relationships—learning how to connect with others in ways that feel comfortable, natural, and genuine. For many families, this represents a powerful shift: seeing their teen not just present in a group, but actively engaging and forming real connections. Communication and self-advocacy skills are intentionally developed throughout the program. Teens learn how to express their thoughts, communicate their needs, and navigate social situations with greater confidence and clarity—skills that are essential for both everyday life and long-term independence. A strong emphasis is placed on emotional regulation and practical coping strategies. Participants are supported in understanding their emotions, managing frustration, and responding to challenges in more constructive and controlled ways. Parents can expect to see growth in their teen’s independence and self-confidence, along with improvements in communication, emotional regulation, and the ability to navigate everyday situations more successfully. As these skills develop, teens are also introduced to essential life skills and foundational job readiness behaviors—helping them build responsibility, follow-through, and the ability to function more independently as they prepare for adulthood.
For many families, the Teen Social Club becomes more than an after-school experience—it becomes a turning point in their child’s life for the better. Over time, teens begin to communicate more effectively, regulate their emotions more successfully, and engage more confidently in social and real-world situations. They start to take initiative, navigate challenges with greater ease, and participate more fully in the world around them. Most importantly, something deeper begins to shift. Teens begin to see themselves not as individuals who struggle to fit in, but as individuals who are capable, connected, and valued. That shift in self-perception often becomes the foundation for lasting confidence, independence, and long-term success.
Participant Eligibility
The Mosaic Minds Teen Social Club is designed for adolescents ages 13 and older who are identified as neurodivergent learners and who would benefit from structured after-school enrichment focused on social development, emotional regulation, life skills, and job readiness. Eligible participants may include teens with diagnoses or identified needs such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Sensory Processing Disorder, Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NLD), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Learning Disabilities (LD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Dyslexi, and Tourette Syndrome. This list is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather to reflect the types of neurodivergent learners who may benefit from the program.
To participate successfully, teens should be able to engage in a small-group setting with appropriate supports, participate in structured activities with guidance, and benefit from peer interaction and social engagement. Participants should also be able to follow routines and expectations with support as needed and engage in the program without behaviors that consistently create a significant safety concern for themselves or others. The Mosaic Minds Teen Social Club is a non-medical, enrichment-based program. It does not provide medical treatment, clinical intervention, therapy, or one-to-one medical supervision. For that reason, the program is best suited for adolescents who are medically stable and able to participate safely in a group setting without requiring ongoing medical treatment or intensive clinical support during program hours. All participants are reviewed through an intake and enrollment process to determine appropriate program fit. Placement decisions are based on the participant’s developmental profile, social and emotional readiness, support needs, and the overall ability to participate successfully within the structure of the group. Mosaic Minds reserves the right to determine whether the program is an appropriate fit and to reassess participation if a participant’s needs exceed the level of support that can be safely provided.
Program Scope, Health, and Safety Considerations
The Mosaic Minds Teen Social Club is designed as a structured after-school enrichment experience that supports social growth, emotional development, peer engagement, and practical life skill development. It is not intended to serve as a substitute for medical care, clinical treatment, counseling, or therapeutic intervention. Parents and guardians are responsible for providing accurate and complete information regarding their teen’s diagnoses, allergies, behavioral needs, sensory needs, safety concerns, and other relevant support considerations. Families are also responsible for informing Mosaic Minds of any significant changes that may affect participation. This scope of service is important because it helps ensure that participants are placed in an environment that is both supportive and appropriate. Mosaic Minds is committed to maintaining a safe, positive, and inclusive environment for all participants while also protecting the emotional and physical well-being of the group as a whole.
Core Areas of Development
At Mosaic Minds, teens are supported across key areas that promote confidence, independence, and real-world success.
Social Communication & Peer Interaction
Teens build meaningful relationships through guided interaction, learning to initiate conversations, read social cues, and engage appropriately with peers.
Self-Advocacy & Independence
Participants develop the ability to express their needs, make decisions, set boundaries, and navigate everyday situations with increasing confidence.
Emotional & Behavioral Self-Regulation
Teens learn to manage emotions and behavior using practical coping strategies such as deep breathing, structured breaks, and problem-solving, helping them respond more effectively in real-life situations.
Life Skills & Job Readiness
Participants build independence through routines, responsibility, teamwork, and real-world skills that prepare them for school, work, and community environments.
Sensory Regulation & Focus
Through the Multisensory Environment (MSE), teens develop strategies to regulate sensory input, improve focus, and maintain emotional balance.
Extended Teen Social Opportunities
In addition to the structured after-school enrichment program, Mosaic Minds offers 2-3 teen social opportunities per year *free of charge”, designed specifically for social connection, fun, and relationship-building. These include evening and weekend social events. These social opportunities are intentionally separate from the daily structured program and focus on games, interaction, enjoyment, and authentic peer connections. They provide teens with opportunities to build and strengthen friendships in a relaxed, age-appropriate environment while still benefiting from the support and structure necessary for success. These events help ensure that participants experience not only skill development. but also the joy of belonging, connection, and shared positive experiences with peers.
Daily Program Structure (Monday-Friday)
3:00 PM – 3:30 PM | Arrival, Social Integration, and Transition
The day begins with guided arrival and transition activities that help participants settle into the program in a calm and supportive manner. During this time, teens engage in structured peer interaction, conversation prompts, collaborative activities, and low-pressure social engagement. A light snack is provided to support comfort and transition from the school day. This opening block also reinforces social initiation, routine development, and transition skills. It is intentionally designed to ease participants into the program while creating immediate opportunities for communication and connection.
3:30 PM – 4:00 PM | Social Communication and Self-Advocacy in Action
This portion of the day focuses on direct practice in communication, social awareness, and self-advocacy. Participants engage in interactive group activities that support conversation skills, peer engagement perspective-taking, and the ability to express needs, preferences, and boundaries appropriately. This block is especially important because it allows teens to practice communication in realistic, supported settings rather than only through abstract instruction. The emphasis is on helping participants apply social and self-advocacy skills in ways that are relevant to everyday life.
4:00 PM – 4:30 PM | Life Skills and Job Readiness Skill Development
This portion of the program is designed to support practical independence and future readiness. Participants engage in structured activities that target task completion, following directions, problem-solving, decision-making, cooperation, and responsibility. Teens are supported in developing behaviors and habits that translate into everyday success, including accountability, participation, persistence, and teamwork. This block helps bridge the gap between after-school enrichment and longer-term preparation for adulthood.
4:30 PM – 5:00 PM |Multisensory Environment(MSE),Emotional Self-Regulation and Real-World Application
During this time, participants are supported in applying coping strategies and emotional regulation skills within real-life social and group situations. Rather than discussing coping skills in isolation, this block focuses on helping teens recognize emotions, respond to stress, manage frustration, and adapt to changes in the moment. Participants may also engage in sensory-based experiences within the MSE to support calm, focus, and self-regulation. This part of the day provides an important opportunity for participants to reset, regulate, and strengthen sensory awareness in a supportive environment. This approach supports participants to strengthen emotional awareness while also building the confidence and flexibility needed to handle challenges across settings.
5:00 PM – 5:30 PM | Reflection.Wrap up & Dismissal
The day concludes with opportunities for reflection, peer conversation, and structured preparation for dismissal. Participants are supported in reviewing the day, practicing social closure, and transitioning successfully out of the program. This final block reinforces routine, communication, and self-awareness while helping participants leave the program in a calm and organized manner.
5:30 PM – 6:00 PM |Optional Extended Pickup: (Available for an additional fee)
The program day ends promptly at 5:30 PM. Optional extended pickup is available from 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM for an additional fee of $15 per day. Extended pickup must be scheduled in advance to ensure appropriate staffing and supervision. Participants not picked up by 5:30 PM without a scheduled extended pickup will be subject to the program’s late pickup fee policy. A late fee of $25 will be charged beginning at 5:31 PM, with an additional $15 charged for every 10 minutes thereafter. Repeated late pickups may result in a review of continued programenrollment.
Teen Social Group After-school Enrichment Policies
To ensure smooth program operations and fairness to all families, the following policies apply:
Enrollment Policy
Due to limited enrollment and our commitment to maintaining a high-quality, small-groupenvironment, a $50 nonrefundable enrollment fee is required to reserve your teen’s spot in the Mosaic Minds Teen Social Club. This enrollment fee secures your teen’s placement in the program and covers administrative costs associated with intake, review, and onboarding. Because space is limited and held specifically for each participant, this fee is nonrefundable and is not applied toward monthly tuition.
Once enrollment is reviewed and approved, full tuition for the first month is due prior to your teen’s start date. Payment must be received in full in order for your teen to begin participation in the program. For ongoing enrollment, monthly tuition is due on the 1st of each month to maintain your teen’s placement in the program and ensure continuity of services. Consistent, on-time payment allows Mosaic Minds to maintain a structured, high-quality experience for all participants. Enrollment is intentionally limited to maintain a small-group environment. This supports individualized attention, stronger peer relationships, improved safety, and higher-quality engagement. A smaller group setting also allows staff to better facilitate social interaction, support emotional needs, and maintain a calm and predictable atmosphere that benefits all participants. The Mosaic Minds Teen Social Club is designed for adolescents who can benefit from structured,group-based enrichment with appropriate supports. Because the program is not a one-to-one or clinical service, it may not be appropriate for teens who require continuous individualized supervision, intensive clinical intervention, or ongoing medical support during program hours. These program fit considerations are intended to support successful placement and to ensure that all participants are in an environment that can meet their needs while maintaining safety and program quality.
Late Payment Fee Policy
A $25 late fee will be applied to accounts not paid by the 5th of the month. Continued participation may be paused until the account is brought current.
Late Pickup Policy
The program ends promptly at 5:30 PM. A late pickup fee of $25 will be charged beginning at 5:31 PM, with an additional $15 charged for every 10 minutes thereafter. Repeated late pickups may result in a review of continued program enrollment. These policies are in place to maintain a safe, structured, and high-quality environment for all participants while ensuring that program operations run smoothly and effectively. Mosaic Minds offers flexible enrollment options designed to meet the needs of families while maintaining the integrity and quality of the program. Enrollment is intentionally limited to ensure a high-quality, small-group experience where each participant receives the support and attention needed to succeed.
Optional Extended Pickup
The program day ends promptly at 5:30 PM. Optional extended pickup is available from 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM for an additional fee of $15 per day. Extended pickup must be scheduled in advance to ensure appropriate staffing and supervision. Participants not picked up by 5:30 PM without a scheduled extended pickup will be subject to the program’s late pickup fee policy. A late fee of $25 will be charged beginning at 5:31 PM, with an additional $15 charged for every 10 minutes thereafter. Repeated late pickups may result in a review of continued program enrollment.
Behavior Support Policy
The Mosaic Minds Teen Social Club utilizes a positive, proactive behavior support model that prioritizes understanding, prevention, and skill development. Staff are trained to recognize early signs of dysregulation and respond with calm, supportive, and evidence-informed strategies designed to preserve dignity and maintain safety. Behavior support within the program includes identifying triggers and patterns, teaching replacement behaviors, reinforcing positive behaviors, and providing individualized supports based on participant needs. The goal is not punishment, but growth. Mosaic Minds seeks to create a predictable and supportive environment in which participants can develop the behavioral, emotional, and social skills needed to succeed
Parent/Guardian Communication Policy
Mosaic Minds is committed to strong, ongoing communication with families. Parents and guardians are essential partners in supporting participant growth, and communication is designed to be meaningful, consistent, and collaborative. Parents/Guardians receive regular updates regarding participation, engagement, and social interaction, as well as information related to growth in emotional regulation, communication, and life skills. Opportunities for parent feedback and check-ins help ensure alignment between the program and each participant’s needs. This collaboration supports continuity across home, school, and program environments.
Safety and Incident Communication Policy
Participant safety and emotional well-being are top priorities at Mosaic Minds. The program operates within a structured, supervised environment with clearly established routines, trained staff, and expectations designed to promote safety and positive engagement. If a significant incident, injury, or concern occurs during program hours, families will be notified promptly. Staff follow established procedures to respond appropriately, document concerns as needed, and communicate clearly with parents or guardians.
Transportation Policy
Transportation is not provided. Parents and guardians are responsible for all drop-off and pick-up arrangements. Participants must be dropped off and picked up within the designated program hours. Timely arrival and dismissal are essential to support program structure, staffing, and student safety. For the safety of all participants, teens will only be released to a parent/guardian or an authorized individual listed on the participant’s intake or emergency contact form. Any changes to authorized pick-up individuals must be communicated in advance.
Parents/guardians are responsible for ensuring that their teen is safely escorted to and from the program location. Mosaic Minds staff are not responsible for supervision before drop-off or after dismissal. Mosaic Minds is not responsible for transportation-related incidents that occur outside of program hours or off-site. This policy helps maintain a safe, structured, and well-supervised environment for all participants.
