Business Directory
The 2024 CO— 100 List|Micro-Business Leaders

IRL Social Skills

IRL Social Skills specializes in helping neurodivergent individuals, including autistic teens and adults, develop essential social skills through evidence-based and trauma-informed coaching programs. The company offers group and individual coaching, parent training, and neurodiversity education for organizations, all designed to empower clients to confidently navigate social interactions and achieve greater independence.

Founded

2019

Industry

Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals

Product

Family Services

Notable Facts

Woman-owned

2024 Honoree in Micro-Business Leaders

IRL Social Skills has been recognized as a Micro-Business Leader in the CO—100. The category honors small businesses with one to five employees that have managed to build profitable and thriving enterprises while maintaining their small and nimble structure. Despite the unique challenges that can come with running a micro-business, these businesses exemplify resilience, innovation, and adaptability, proving that success does not necessarily require large teams. The CO—100 is the annual list of the 100 best and brightest small and mid-sized businesses in America.


Overview–

IRL Social Skills Overview

Leadership

Owner/Founder

Mara McLoughlin

Contact

Address

10605-A SE Bush Street Portland, OR 97266

Social

Number of Employees

Full Time

3

Part Time

12

About IRL Social Skills

IRL Social Skills is dedicated to helping neurodivergent individuals, including autistic teens and adults, develop crucial social skillsaka soft skills. Through our comprehensive coaching programs, we empower our clients to confidently and effectively navigate social interactions in every arena of life. Our evidence-based curriculum and trauma-informed practices ensure that our interventions are grounded in proven methods and holistic well-being. Our services include: - Group Coaching Programs: These interactive group sessions create a supportive environment for peer learning and practice, facilitated by expert coaches and clinicians. - Parent and Caregiver Training: We offer training for parents and families to help them better support their neurodivergent loved ones. - Individual Coaching Sessions: Tailored one-on-one coaching addresses specific challenges and goals, providing personalized support. - Neurodiversity Training for Professional Organizations: Customized training programs to businesses, schools, and non-profit organizations, fostering inclusive and supportive environments for neurodivergent employees and clients. I started IRL Social Skills because I noticed a significant gap in support for neurodivergent individuals, especially those who are autistic, when it comes to navigating social situations beyond early childhood. Many autism interventions primarily focus on early development, leaving teens, young adults, and even those diagnosed later in life without effective support in understanding social norms and building essential life skills. Having worked as a speech-language pathologist for over 12 years, I have seen firsthand the challenges that autistic individuals face when it comes to social interactions. I wanted to create a program that goes beyond early intervention and provides ongoing support throughout a persons life, empowering them to live independent, healthy, productive, and empowered lives. At IRL Social Skills, we offer comprehensive coaching and workshops that focus on social skill development, self-awareness, and self-advocacy. We incorporate evidence-based methods and trauma-informed practices to ensure that each individual receives personalized support tailored to their needs. Our goal is to help our clients navigate the complexities of social norms, build essential life skills, and achieve greater independence. By fostering a sense of belonging and confidence, we strive to create an inclusive and supportive community where neurodivergent individuals can thrive socially and emotionally. Our customers at IRL Social Skills are families and individuals who face challenges in social communication and relationships. Many of them have experienced social exclusion, rejection, and stigma, leading to co-occurring mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Our services are essential in addressing their unique needs. All our evidence-based programs provide direct and explicit instruction in reciprocal conversation and emotional intelligence, tailored to the unique sensory processing profiles of neurodivergent individuals. We recognize that systemic discrimination and stigmas around neurodiversity can disproportionately affect lower middle-income individuals and families. Thats why we strive to make our services accessible and affordable to those who need them. At IRL Social Skills, we create a safe and supportive environment where individuals who have endured social shunning and exclusion can find connection and belonging. We are dedicated to providing personalized support to help our clients develop the social skills they need to thrive and lead fulfilling lives.

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