For most of their lives, John, Logan, Amir and Chris knew what it felt like to be lonely. Each of them longed for a true friend—someone who understood their experiences as young men on the spectrum. They tried for years, hoping for connection, but friendships never quite formed the way they’d dreamed.
As a teen, John talked often about wanting a true friend. He wanted someone close to his age who understood him. Logan’s social life was almost nonexistent, and making friends felt nearly impossible. Amir and Chris also tried but their disabilities made it difficult to relate to others, leaving them feeling discouraged. Their mothers waited and hoped that their boys would find the connection they’ve been longing for.
One encounter at an AO meet-up changed everything.
John briefly met Logan at Rose State College, and the very next day he spotted him at Mix & Mingle—our adult social program designed to facilitate safe, meaningful connections. John, excited for a familiar face, approached Logan—and this time something clicked. They talked the entire evening. Soon Amir and Chris joined in, and the four individuals became a group of friends.
They exchanged numbers, continued going to Mix & Mingle, celebrated holidays together at our Halloween and Christmas parties and eventually started hanging out on their own. They even took their first guys’ trip to Broken Bow in 2024 to see the eclipse—laughing, hiking and soaking in a hot tub before watching the eclipse from a Wendy’s parking lot.
The moms call it remarkable.
The boys call it life-changing.
And John says, “I finally found my True Friends.”
If you or someone you know needs a way to connect, check out our events page and find a Mix & Mingle near your city.
Watch our “True Friends” video to see John, Logan, Amir and Chris tell their story.
