NFAR Social Workshops

These fun, imaginative workshops offer a welcoming space where participants can explore a variety of hands-on activities, discover new interests, and enjoy meaningful outlets for creative expression and engagement.

NFAR Social is designed to engage autistic and other neurodivergent individuals—and welcomes all community members—by bringing people together for shared experiences that are fun, social, and meaningful. Our goal is to spark connection, encourage self-expression, and help participants discover their strengths while building friendships and finding activities in their local community that they truly enjoy, while bringing joy and a sense of belonging.

NFAR SOCIAL WORKSHOPS

NFAR Social workshops are offered as an 8-week workshop series. NFAR offers 3 different workshop series to choose from, and attendees can select up to two (2) different workshop series at a time.

improv-workshops

IMPROV WORKSHOP

Through icebreakers, guided activities, and a mix of short-form and long-form improv games, participants practice communication, active listening, flexibility, and teamwork. No prior experience is needed. These inclusive workshops help build confidence, social connection, and adaptability while creating opportunities to meet new people, or just enjoy a new creative outlet for expression. NFAR Social Improv Workshops offer a welcoming space to jump in and see where the scene goes!

Diverse Group of Guys and Girls Playing in a Strategic Uniquely Designed Board Game with Cards and Dice. Friends Having Fun Reading Cards, Joking, Making Moves and Laughing in a Cozy Living Room

GAME NIGHT WORKSHOP

This workshop includes a mix of classic favorites and new games, offering something for everyone, including whole-group game activities, and small-group play where participants can explore different styles of games while practicing communication, teamwork, and problem-solving in a relaxed, fun environment. Participants can build skills at their own pace while feeling supported and having fun and of course, playing games!

workshop series

CREATIVE ARTS WORKSHOP

This experience invites participants to explore a variety of art and creative craft projects in a relaxed, supportive environment. No prior experience or artistic expertise is required—just curiosity and a willingness to try something new. Through guided activities and opportunities for personal self-expression, participants will create hands-on projects. These workshops provide a fun way to express yourself, discover new interests, and connect with others while enjoying the simple joy of working with your hands to create!

NFAR SOCIAL IS FOR:

  • Age 18 years and over
  • Able to arrive and depart from sessions independently
  • Able to complete simple tasks independently with verbal or written directions
  • Able to refrain from behaviors that are disruptive or aggressive.
  • Able to communicate basic needs in some form with staff and others.

PROGRAM DETAILS:

  • An 8:1 participant-to-instructor ratio.
  • Each workshop session runs for 2 hours, with breaks provided as needed.
  • Each workshop series includes 8 workshop sessions.
  • Instruction is primarily delivered in a whole-group format, with individual or small-group support available as needed.

  • NFAR’s Vocational Training Center is conveniently located in the Scripps Ranch area of San Diego just off the I-15 freeway and Carroll Canyon Road, and with MTS bus service from the Miramar College transit center.
    NFAR
    9825 Businesspark Ave.
    San Diego, CA 92131

REGISTRATION

The NFAR Social program is a vendor of the San Diego Regional Center

National Foundation for Autism Research (NFAR),
Social Recreation: Code 094
Vendor # is PY4412

Interested?

Please start by filling out an interest form.

NFAR Social Interest Form

NFAR BEHAVIOR POLICY AND SUPPORTS

NFAR Social has been designed to offer enrichment-based, creative arts workshops for those with and without mild/moderate intellectual disabilities, at a 1-to-8 instructor to participant ratio.

Individuals who require greater support and/or who have behavioral, medical or other issues that require greater than 1:8 assistance would need to make support arrangements and coordinate with NFAR to attend.

NFAR reserves the right to refuse entry to individuals who have shown or have a history of maladaptive behaviors (elopement, disruptive or aggressive behaviors, self-injurious behaviors, behaviors that are likely to injure others.