08/29/2025
GNO is made by the amazing members! đź’–
One year after joining Girls Night Out (GNO), member Ali has seen the positive effects of the program.
GNO is a community program that supports neurodivergent girls and young women. Through regular meetups, activities and discussions, the group offers a safe space for participants to build social confidence, navigate relationships and celebrate neurodiversity.
Being a member of the 2025 summer group, Ali has been a part of safe, important conversations discussing topics such as boundaries and qualities of a healthy friendship.
“My confidence has grown,” she said. “They’ve [GNO] taught me to slow down and understand boundaries — in friendships/relationships.”
Along with growing through her connections at GNO, Ali has leveraged her love of equestrian knowledge and horseback riding as a positive outlet.
“There are so many people at my barn who understand my special needs, and horseback riding is a relaxing but also a safe space to talk about what’s been happening in my life.”
After riding for 10 years, Ali along with her horse companion Sir Arthur Frtiz Gerald (Fritz), shared their knowledge with others at the Johnson County Fair this summer.
“I am doing the horseless horse project and making a poster about veterinary care,” Ali said.
For teens with autism, social situations may be overwhelming. GNO provides guided support to help ease transitions.
“I think telling them [people who are unaware of what autism may look like] that people who have autism think and act differently,” Ali said. “I think having someone help guide you through, going to new places or being introduced to people slowly and not rushing things would be helpful.”
Through GNO as well as her community at the barn, Ali said she has noticed personal growth.
“If someone’s thinking about joining GNO, I’d tell them they’re not alone,” she said. “There are people who will support you on good days and bad days — and you’ll have fun, too.”
We love sharing what makes our members so special and how they have impacted our community! 🥰
