Advocating for more equitable access to fun, friendship, and naturalistic learning environments for all—
because everyone deserves to have positive, meaningful, and reciprocal relationships in their lives.
In 2013, Mission Cognition began with one small social group, a game shelf, and a big belief that neurodivergent children deserve more than compliance training. They deserve connection, autonomy, joy, and support that honors who they are.
What started as one play-based group in a 400 sq foot single room, quickly grew as word spread. Families and professionals saw something different: a model rooted in developmental science, affirming neurodivergent identities, and prioritizing relationships over rigid protocols.
Today, Mission Cognition has supported thousands of learners and practitioners around the world in our evidence-based, relationship-focused approach.
We haven’t lost sight of our beginnings. Every new group, every training, every connection, still starts the same way: by listening, collaborating, and making room for everyone to belong.
Mission Cognition provides evidence-based, neurodiversity-affirming, and relationship-focused services to support the social-emotional growth of neurodivergent individuals across the lifespan. We offer direct services including play-based social skills groups for children and teens, as well as adult day enrichment programs that promote autonomy and connection. For professionals worldwide, we provide immersive training, coaching, and curriculum resources designed to foster meaningful, strengths-based intervention rooted in research and respect.
My son has been attending the Tuesdays Teen social group regularly. It has been a very positive experience for us. His therapists are wonderful and he has made huge progress within the class. He is made to feel totally welcomed and comfortable, truly a part of the group. The games are fun and engaging. He enjoys his sessions immensely. He also enjoys and looks forward to their outings in the community. I would happily recommend Mission Cognition and the programs to anyone.
My son with autism has been going to this class for the past five years and trust me he would not miss any chance of going. He has transformed from a boy who needs full support in order to participate only a short period, to a boy who needs no support and participates 100%. He always has big smiles when I pick him up and always talking more and we could see him more and more open and behaving more socially in other settings. Over the years there are always issues to work on and Ms Ashley and the team are always willing to go the extra miles to help to guide him. We think this is the best social skill class out there, period!
Parent of 12 year old
The staff are extremely flexible and responsive to individual needs of the children and help facilitate unity and cooperation through learning and by implementing strategies that support social and emotional development.
Parent of a 9 year old
What an awesome program, it’s helped our son and family over the past five and a half years so much!
Parents of 18 year old
My son is LOVES mission cognition! He wakes up everyday asking if it’s a Mission Cognition day and is so disappointed when it’s not.
Parent, 8 year old
My child’s language has exploded since starting Mission Cognition’s playgroup program. Even the bus driver has commented on how much more talkative my child is and interested in interacting
Parent, 5 year old
I didn’t know if my son would be successful in a group without a 1:1 due to constant need for supervision in other settings. He’s thriving at MC! The expectations and activities are developmentally appropriate. He’s learning so much and just thinks it’s all play!
Parent, 7 year old
He is so excited to grow to group every week to see friends and teachers.Team MC is a life changer!!!
Parent, 9 year old
This program has not only improved my autistic daughter’s social skills, but has become her favorite activity of the week! She asks if it’s a group day every morning when she wakes up! They are so thoughtful with their themes each week- creating a fun and structured environment for every child’s individual needs.
Parent, 5 year old
This is the first place I have ever been able to drop my child off at. I can’t believe how he started walking in on his own after only week 2. He’s so happy and so are we!
Parent, 3 year old
I’ll be forever thankful to you for being there for my son in the toughest days of our life. It was you that got us through that time and I will be forever humbled by your kindness. We have no words to express how much we value your support, guidance and everything you have done for our son and our family . Thank you so much Ashley and the entire team of Mission Cognition.
Parent, 20 yr old
My 9 year old son has been attending for the last 2 years and has blossomed in to a chatter box who engages friends and family in conversation. He is no longer afraid of being called on in school by his teachers or answer in a large group.
Parent, 9 year old
