Community Support and Social Connection for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
Disclaimer
Horizons to Hope provides resources for informational purposes only and does not endorse or recommend any listed provider or service. Users are encouraged to conduct their own research and due diligence before engaging with any resources referenced on this site. Horizons to Hope strives to provide accurate and reliable information; however, we cannot guarantee the completeness or validity of external content. We assume no responsibility for errors, omissions, or the services offered by linked providers.
Support Groups for Teens & Young Adults with Developmental Disabilities
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Peer-Led Programs
Bucks County Center for Independent Living (BCCIL) – Young Adult Group (14–25)
Focus: Peer-led program to meet friends, build independent-living and advocacy skills.
Format: In-person
Location: Bucks County
Website: https://paautism.org/support_group/bucks-county-center-for-independent-living-young-adult-group/
Self Advocates United as 1 (SAU1)
Focus: Statewide peer-led self-advocacy meetings, training, and connection spaces.
Format: Virtual & in-person events
Location: Pennsylvania (virtual open to Bucks residents)
Website: https://sau1.org/
Berks County Young Adults Autism Support Group (18–25)
Focus: Peer-led virtual group every other Thursday with optional Discord chat.
Format: Virtual
Location: Based in Berks County but open to others
Website: https://www.facebook.com/BCYAASG/
Clinician / Facilitator-Led Programs
NOVA – SHARE (Ages 15–24, ASD/IDD)
Focus: Clinician-facilitated workshops on self-advocacy, healthy relationships, safety, and social connections.
Format: In-person (series)
Location: Doylestown, Bucks County
Website: https://novabucks.org/
SOS Therapy Services – Teen Connections (Neurodivergent Teens)
Focus: Therapist-led social/emotional skills group covering self-advocacy, regulation, relationships, and transitions.
Format: In-person
Location: Holland, Bucks County
Website: https://www.sostherapyservices.com/teenconnections
Autism Cares Foundation – Personal Enrichment Program (PEP) (Adults 18+)
Focus: Facilitated enrichment program for adults with autism/IDD who have higher independence.
Format: In-person
Location: Southampton, Bucks County
Website: https://autismcaresfoundation.org/pep/
JCHAI – Social Circle Rap Groups (18+)
Focus: Facilitated meet-ups for neurodiverse adults to connect and share resources.
Format: In-person / Virtual
Location: Philadelphia / Main Line region
Website: https://www.jchai.org/
JCHAI – Transitions Program (18–30)
Focus: Structured activities and training to support independent living and socialization.
Format: In-person
Location: Philadelphia suburbs
Website: https://www.jchai.org/
Psychology Today – Autism / Neurodivergent Teen & Young Adult Groups
Focus: Directory of counselor-led groups (social skills, DBT-informed, middle/high school and 18+ cohorts).
Format: In-person / Telehealth (varies)
Location: Bucks County & nearby
Website: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/groups/pa/bucks-county?category=adolescents-teenagers-14-to-19
Jake’s Baristas
Jake’s Baristas aims to help teens and adults with special needs gain work and interview experience, social skills, and resume building. Through employment education, entrepreneurship and grassroots philanthropy, we plan to eliminate common barriers to success that typically affect those with special needs. With these fundamental and foundational pillars, the individuals we serve will see increased opportunity in meaningful jobs and workplace experiences. We are focused on the aspirations of people and communities we serve, as we fulfill Jake’s Baristas’ primary mission through our core values: compassion, transparency, and generosity
Support Groups for Parents & Caregivers of Children with Intellectual Disabilities
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NAMI Parent Support Group (Bucks County)
Focus: Support, education, and sharing among parents/caregivers of youth with mental health, developmental, substance use, or behavioral issues.
Format: In-person / Virtual (depending on schedule)
Location/Meeting Info: Meets 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 6:00–7:30 pm at NAMI Office, Warrington (1432 Easton Road, Suite 2D).
Website: https://namibuckspa.org/education/support-groups/nami-parent-support-group/
Family Service Association of Bucks County – Parent Support Group
Focus: Weekly support and education for parents/caregivers; includes strategies, resources, and emotional support.
Format: In-person
Location/Meeting Info: Family Service Association offices, including Quakertown (134B Mill Rd, Quakertown, PA 18951).
Website: https://fsabc.org/
Because I Love You (B.I.L.Y.) – Quakertown
Focus: Support group for parents whose children have behavioral issues.
Format: In-person
Location/Meeting Info: 279 Aubrey Drive, Quakertown, PA 18951
Website: https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4418/QCSD/3996807/Support_groups_around_Bucks_County.pdf
Sibling Support Groups in Bucks and Surrounding Counties
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Creative Health Services — Sibling Support Workshops
Sibshop (ages 6–12) and Sibteen (ages 13–17): Monthly gatherings for peer support, fun, and sharing experiences with siblings who have disabilities.
Location: 929 Willow Street, Pottstown, PA
Phone: 610-326-9250 ext. 1215
Website: https://creativehs.org/sibling-support-workshops/
Family Matters: Sibshops (Greater Philadelphia / Bala Cynwyd, PA)
Free sibling support groups with activities, connection, and peer support for siblings of children with developmental disabilities.
Contact: Kayla Jasper, MSW, LSW — 484-385-0729, kjasper@familymattersnetwork.org
Website: https://paautism.org/support_group/family-matters-sibshops/
Pennsylvania Sibling Support (PASSN / PA Sibling Support)
State-level sibling support provider listed in PA’s provider directory; available to Bucks & Montgomery County families.
Phone: (215) 205-7628
Website: https://www.hcsis.dhs.pa.gov/hcsis-ssd/ServicesSupportDirectory/ProviderDetails?providerId=430456
NAMI Bucks County — Family Support Group
Peer support group for family members, caregivers, and loved ones (including siblings) of individuals with mental illness.
Meetings: Penndel (1st & 3rd Wed), Newtown (1st & 3rd Mon), Warrington (2nd & 4th Thurs)
Phone: 215-343-3055
Website: https://namibuckspa.org/education/support-groups/family-support-group/
Bucks County LIFE (Access Services)
Offers peer support, one-on-one family support, training, and resource navigation for families with children up to age 26.
Contact: 888-442-1590 or BucksLIFE@accessservices.org
Website: https://www.accessservices.org/services/buckslife/
Peer & Social Groups for Teens and Young Adults with Developmental Disabilities
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Association for Adults With Developmental Disabilities (AADD)
Programs: Weekly Rap Sessions (peer support/discussion) and social outings such as concerts, movies, and theater for adults (18+).
Location: Willow Grove, PA
Phone: 215-886-9990
Website: https://aaddpa.org/
Bucks County Center for Independent Living (BCCIL) — Peer Support / Young Adult Group
Programs: In-person and virtual peer support groups, including a Young Adult Group meeting monthly (3rd Thursday at 7 PM).
Address: 3466 Progress Drive, Suite 111, Bensalem, PA
Phone: 215-781-5070
Website: https://paautism.org/support_group/bccil-peer-support-group/
KenCrest — Meaningful Day / Activity Club
Programs: Social and recreational opportunities including bowling, dances, book clubs, coffee dates, outings, and arts & crafts.
Service Region: Bucks, Montgomery, Philadelphia, Chester, Delaware Counties
Website: https://www.kencrest.org/community-support-programs/meaningful-day-community-engagement/
SEQUEL (Bucks County Intermediate Unit)
Programs: Adult programs (21+) including Social Nights, Lessons for Life Courses, community participation, and leisure activities.
Contact: SEQUEL@BucksIU.org | Phone: 215-348-2940 ext. 7061
Website: https://www.bucksiu.org/child-student-services/adult-programs-and-services
Elwyn – Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities Services
Programs: Social engagement, group outings, community events, and friendship-building.
Service Area: Southeastern PA, including Montgomery County
Website: https://www.elwyn.org/services/intellectual-and-developmental-disabilities-services
BARC Programs
Location: Holicong, PA / Bucks County region
Programs: Support, housing, advocacy, social, and training programs for the autistic and intellectually delayed community.
Website: https://www.barcprograms.org/
Delta Community Supports — Adult Day Programs
Programs: Structured programs with social outings, recreational activities, creative expression, dances, and community engagement.
Location: 1700 Woodbourne Road, Levittown, PA
Website: https://deltaweb.org/services/intellectual-disabilities-autism/adult-day-programs/