CAPE CORAL, Fla. — July 14, 2026 — Family Initiative is proud to announce the launch of Girls Group, a new community program created specifically for girls on the autism spectrum, ages 11–17. The program provides a dedicated space where participants build authentic friendships, strengthen self-advocacy, and grow their confidence within a community of true peers.
Girls Group operates in 6-week cycles, each featuring intentional, sequenced sessions that progressively build social communication, peer interaction, and independence. The upcoming cycle runs July 20 – August 24, 2026, held Mondays from 4:30–6:00 PM at Thrive Academy, 3301 Chiquita Blvd S, Cape Coral, FL 33914.
Each cycle concludes with a guest speaker, featuring inspiring female community leaders who bring real-world perspective and mentorship to participants.
“Girls on the autism spectrum often experience social dynamics that are uniquely complex and too often overlooked,” said Anjali Van Drie, Vice President and Co-founder of Family Initiative. “Girls Group creates a space where they can practice social skills and grow their confidence with support that honors who they are.”
According to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1 in 31 children in the United States is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). But here’s where it gets interesting: historically, autism has been diagnosed far more frequently in boys than in girls, with a commonly cited ratio of 4:1. However, this ratio is increasingly being questioned. Recent studies suggest that the true ratio may be closer to 3:1 or even 2:1, indicating that autism in girls has been significantly underdiagnosed. Girls Group is designed to meet that gap directly, giving girls on the spectrum a space built around how they experience and navigate the world.
Girls Group focuses on helping participants build independence in social communication and peer interaction by practicing age-appropriate skills such as initiating conversations, interpreting social cues, engaging flexibly, building peer relationships, and setting boundaries. Staff provide guided support that fades as confidence and independence grow.
The program also addresses social dynamics commonly experienced by autistic girls, including navigating nuanced peer interactions, balancing authenticity versus masking, and responding to social pressure. Through structured activities, real-world practice, and mentorship from community role models, Girls Group equips participants with tools that generalize to school, home, friendships, and future workplaces.
Key Program Details:
- Ages 11–17
- Designed specifically for girls on the autism spectrum
- 6-week cycles, Mondays, 4:30–6:00 PM
- Upcoming cycle: July 20 – August 24, 2026
- Guest speaker featured in final week
- Location: Thrive Academy, Cape Coral
- Cost: $60 per cycle
- Registration: fi-florida.org
Contact: 239-910-0712 or info@fi-florida.org
Families can register online at fi-florida.org or contact Family Initiative for more information.
About Family Initiative
Founded in 2015, Family Initiative Inc. is a Florida-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children with autism and strengthening their families. Its team of clinicians serves children through a compassionate, personalized approach using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Occupational Therapy (OT). The organization also offers autism play groups, teen meetups, parent education, and community conversations. In addition, Family Initiative provides training and support for child welfare caregivers through its Family Impact Program. For more information, visit www.fi-florida.org, follow Family Initiative on Facebook and Instagram at @FamilyInitiative, or on X (formerly Twitter) at @FI_Inc.
