Frequently AskedQuestions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this therapy?
No. Unlike coaching or behavioral training, The Motley Squad works like a great group of friends. We help participants build community through proximity, frequency, and shared interests.
Does every participant need a diagnosis?
Not necessarily. While we exist to serve those with neurodivergent diagnoses including autism, adhd, ocd, and others, a confirmed diagnosis is not necessary. There will be a place in the onboarding form to let us know what a new participant’s individual needs are.
What if I’m shy? Will I have to talk?
No one has to perform. Many of our participants come and observe first. We carefully plan each activity to make social engagement feel natural. It usually doesn’t take long before even some of our quietest participants find their place, let down their masks, and chat with others.
Who is in charge?
Our facilitators are trained to create and supervise fun hangouts that are age-appropriate and designed to spark peer-to-peer conversation and ultimately friendship.
What does it cost?
The Motley Squad currently does not charge a membership fee to participate. However, we are big believers in the community we are growing and all the ways that participants and their families can help us keep the lights on. This can be a small monthly donation of $30 if that’s feasible, helping with carpools to and from hangouts, hosting fun activities, or helping fundraise for the Squad.
Where are the hangouts?
The Motley Squad serves individuals throughout Utah, Salt Lake, Davis, and Tooele counties. While our office is located in Murray, we try to vary the location of our activities to make it work for as many families across these counties as possible. Each event page will specify the location for that event.
Can parents stay?
We know that the first time a participant comes to a hangout there is often anxiety about it. While we largely discourage parents from coming to hangouts (we don’t know a lot of teens or young adults that like having a bunch of parents hangin’ around), we do make exceptions for those first couple of hangouts. Be sure to let us know if you’re planning to come to a hangout with your participant. Our goal is to help each participant develop their social confidence so that they can come hangout on their own.
I’m over 18. Do I need a parent to sign me up?
We have designed our onboarding forms so that parents sign up their teen participants, but anyone over 18 can sign themselves up.
My child is over 18, but I’d still like to stay in the loop and help them navigate. Is there a way to get a parent login even though they are an adult?
Yes. We know that for many of our adult participants, having a parent or caregiver’s help or input is important. The adult forms ask for a secondary contact and this is where the parent or caregiver’s contact info should be included. It is also helpful for us to know if our adult participants are under guardianship, so please indicate in the forms. The adult and their parent will each have login access to the calendar and all the activities.
Can a caregiver have their own login?
Yes. When an adult joins and gives a caregiver’s name and the caregiver’s own email address, the caregiver gets a separate sign-in to the same household. Both of you see the same calendar, and either of you can RSVP or cancel. Doing it twice won’t double-book.
The confirmation email goes to whoever made the RSVP. If the RSVP is later cancelled, the cancellation email goes to that same person, even if the other person cancelled it.
How do I help?
Give, volunteer, sponsor, or play in Golf Jam. It all starts on the Get involved page.
“I’m not the most social person, but I really enjoy the Motley Squad hangouts and how they help me improve my social skills.”