About AIM Peer Programs
We started AIM because we believe every teen and young adult deserves the opportunity to build confidence, practice conversation skills, and engage more comfortably in social settings. Through peer mentoring, games, and real-life conversations, participants discover that social growth happens naturally when people feel accepted, supported, and connected.
Our Philosophy
AIM Peer Programs™ was created after recognizing that many traditional social skills groups weren't meeting the unique needs of teens on the autism spectrum.
These groups often combined students with many different disabilities, making it difficult for participants to learn appropriate social communication from peers with similar interests and abilities. In many cases, conversations were directed by adults rather than developing naturally between the participants themselves.
Research and experience have shown that many people on the autism spectrum learn by observing and modeling the behavior of those around them. AIM Peer Programs™ was built on that understanding.
Instead of relying primarily on adult-directed instruction, AIM creates opportunities for participants to learn through meaningful interaction with trained peer mentors in a relaxed, supportive environment. By surrounding teens and young adults with positive peer role models, participants naturally practice conversation skills, develop expressive language, build confidence, and form genuine friendships through games, shared experiences, laughter, and everyday conversation.
We believe that meaningful social skills develop through real friendships and authentic conversations. Our goal isn't to teach scripted responses or direct every discussion. Instead, we create an environment where communication, confidence, independence, and lasting relationships can grow naturally through real-life social experiences.
What We Believe
Our mission is to help teens and young adults on the autism spectrum develop the confidence, friendships, and social understanding needed to connect with others through peer mentoring and authentic social experiences.
Connection Over Correction
We don't approach autism as something to fix. Our goal is to create genuine human connection — the kind that builds confidence from the inside out, not through compliance or scripted behavior.
Peers Change Everything
There's something uniquely powerful about learning from someone your own age. Peer mentors bring authenticity, patience, and relatability that no adult professional can fully replicate.
Low Pressure, High Growth
The best social learning happens when people feel safe enough to try, fail, and try again. We design every session to be a place where that kind of growth is possible.
Our Approach to Peer Mentoring
AIM mentors aren't volunteers who show up and wing it. They're trained, supported, and prepared before their first session. Every mentor completes a structured training program covering autism awareness, how to include everyone in group activities, and how to quietly assist a participant who needs help — without drawing attention or causing embarrassment.
Mentors are supervised throughout the program and receive ongoing coaching from our team. The goal is simple: every teen walks into a session feeling welcome, and walks out feeling good about being there.
The Team Behind AIM
Our staff and leadership bring together expertise in autism support, education, and youth development — united by a shared belief in the power of peer connection.
Sarah Holloway
Founder & Executive Director
Sarah founded AIM after years working in autism support services and witnessing firsthand how peer relationships transformed outcomes for the teens she worked with.
Marcus Chen
Program Director
Marcus oversees session design, mentor training, and participant matching. He holds a degree in psychology and has worked in youth mentoring for over a decade.
Priya Nair
Family Outreach Coordinator
Priya is the first point of contact for families. She guides parents through enrollment, answers questions, and ensures every family feels supported from day one.
Want to Learn More?
Read about how our sessions work, or apply to enroll your teen today.