Rising to the challenge: Oregon program helps kids navigate social interactions online
2 min read
School can be challenging, not only in the classroom, but also on the playground or in the lunchroom.
Oregon ranks last in the nation for adolescent mental health, making socializing difficult for many students, especially those who are neurodivergent.
An Oregon-based business, which has expanded internationally, is working to bridge the gap for kids making friends in real life.
Vanessa Green, a mother who has always looked out for her son Nelson, said her son, who has intellectual disabilities, recently graduated high school. She knew he needed support to communicate effectively with others.
"He’s a very polite boy, but sometimes he’s shut down when he doesn’t feel safe to share specific things," Green said. "Sometimes he can come across as rude not intentionally. He has no filters and says things how it is."
In her search for resources, Green discovered a local organization called IRL, which stands for "In Real Life." Despite its name, IRL is an online platform designed to teach social skills.
https://katu.com/news/local/rising-to-the-challenge-oregon-program-helps-kids-navigate-social-interactions-online
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News post in at: February 20, 2025, 3:00 am.
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