Girls Just Wanna Have Fun: Boundless at OCALICONLINE 2025

We’re proud to announce that Boundless presented at OCALICONLINE 2025, the nation’s premier conference on autism and disabilities. This annual event brought together thousands of professionals, families, and advocates to share best practices and innovative solutions that improve lives. 

Boundless’ Peer and Transitions Supervisor, Kelli James, lead a session titled “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun: Boosting Connection and Confidence in Girls with Autism.” This presentation not only highlighted an important and often overlooked topic, how autism uniquely presents in girls and young women, but also showcased a Boundless program that is making a difference every day. 

Girls with autism often face delayed diagnoses and limited access to social skills training, leaving them vulnerable to isolation, anxiety, and depression. Kelli’s session shared evidence-based strategies that inform Boundless’ work, such as modeling, task analysis, and positive reinforcement, while giving attendees practical tools to help girls build confidence, develop self-care skills, and form authentic relationships. 

Inside the Program 

The Girls Just Wanna Have Fun program at Boundless, which inspired this presentation, is designed to help girls and young women with autism thrive socially and emotionally. The biggest focus is community integration, because girls and young women deserve access to the same spaces and experiences as their non-disabled peers. Here’s what makes the program unique: 

• Bi-weekly sessions One session each month will focus on structured lessons such as social skills, hygiene, and self-care, while the other will apply those lessons in the community for real-world practice. 
• Community-based activities: Participants dine out, shop for clothes, and attend local events, gaining experience in things such as how to order food, tip appropriately, and choose outfits for different occasions. 
• Confidence through creativity: Activities like nail painting nights and art sessions encourage self-expression and personal style. 
• Peer support and empathy: Facilitators guide participants to check in with each other during misunderstandings, building emotional awareness and mutual care. 
• Inclusive partnerships: Local businesses such as AVEDA Beauty School and Kittie’s in Worthington open their doors, and organizations like Chase, Worthington Industries, and Bank of America have generously donated. 

These experiences are more than just fun; they are skill-building opportunities that foster independence and inclusion. Everyone enters the program on equal footing—disabilities are not singled out. It’s about creating spaces where inclusion feels natural and friendships grow organically. 

Grounded in Research 

The program and presentation draw on the Girls’ Night Out curriculum developed by Kansas City Medical University, clinical insights from UCLA, and research from the University of Rzeszow. Data collected over time shows measurable improvements in social awareness, self-confidence, relational skills, and communication abilities, which is evidence that these interventions work and change lives. 

Looking Ahead 

After proven success of the program, in 2026, Boundless is shifting gears to make the program more accessible and personalized. The biggest focus will be on differentiation and ensuring every participant’s unique needs are met. This means creating flexible lesson plans and community activities that adapt to different learning styles and communication preferences. By doing so, we’re not just teaching skills—we’re building confidence in environments where inclusion feels natural, and every girl has the tools to succeed. 

Interested in learning more about OCALICONLINE? Click here! 
Interested in learning more about Girls Just Wanna Have Fun? Email Kelli (kjames@iamboundless.org) or Kiara (kijames@iamboundless.org).