About ASD Social Night

How ASD Social Night Began

ASD Social Night was founded in 2007 by Rilla Chaka. She was talking to her son one day when he said he wished he could go out on Friday nights like other kids. That simple conversation sparked an idea.

Rilla reached out to several local schools and began organizing a meetup group for autistic teens and young adults. What started as a small gathering has grown into a welcoming social community that continues to this day.

A Safe and Supportive Environment

Our group provides:

• A safe, supportive environment
• Consistent weekly connections
• Opportunities to build confidence
• Natural social interaction
• A parent-supported community

Autism Statistics

As of 2025, the CDC reports that approximately 1 in 31 children (about 3.2%) in the United States is identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These numbers highlight the importance of communities and programs that support social connection and opportunities for individuals on the spectrum. [oai_citation:0‡CDC](https://www.cdc.gov/autism/data-research/index.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com)