A free webinar titled “Connected Teens: Navigating Friendship Beyond Norms” will take place on December 11, 2025, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m., hosted by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in collaboration with OneOp. This event aims to equip parents, educators, and youth advocates with actionable strategies to help teenagers foster inclusive friendships, particularly with peers who may engage differently in social settings.
The session will be led by Jennifer Gerlach, a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist from Belleville, Illinois. Gerlach specializes in the intersection of neurodiversity and mental health, bringing valuable insights into the complexities of teen relationships. Registration is required to attend the webinar, though there is no associated fee.
Learning Objectives and Strategies for Participants
Attendees will gain valuable knowledge on how to facilitate healthy and supportive relationships among teens. The webinar will focus on creating empathetic environments where all individuals can thrive. Participants can expect to learn how to:
– Identify three common social patterns in neurodivergent youth and explore methods to support them.
– Utilize three effective strategies to promote positive interactions among neurodivergent youth.
– Understand the concept of “double empathy” and recognize common misunderstandings faced by neurodivergent individuals.
These objectives aim to enhance the ability of parents and educators to effectively guide teens in navigating their social worlds.
Continuing Education Credits Available
For professionals seeking documentation of their participation, OneOp will provide certificates of attendance. Participants can earn one and a half continuing education credits in various fields, including family and consumer sciences, social work, and licensed counseling. Relevant accrediting bodies include the American Association for Family and Consumer Sciences and the University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work.
For further information about the webinar, interested individuals may contact Rachel Brauner, AgriLife Extension program specialist for Family and Community Health in Bryan-College Station, via email at [email protected] or by phone at 979-321-5021. This event represents a significant opportunity for those involved with youth to enhance their understanding and support of diverse social interactions among teens.
