This social skills group is for kids ages 9 through 11. In this group, our first priority is help kids feel accepted and to embrace their many positive and unique qualities. We also explore common difficulties kids face such as dealing with disagreements, managing emotions, and understanding social rules. Through play and various activities, we help our group members practice understanding others' perspectives, becoming more flexible, using their words, and building conversations. Our group is designed to be fun and encouraging! If you are interested in hearing more, sign up for your free group screening today!
Parenting can be tough. You may find your mind filled with worries and self-doubt. “Am I repeating the same mistakes my parents made?” “I’m tired of the yelling, but what else am I supposed to do?” If these thoughts seem all too familiar, it may be time to get your child and yourself some support. All you want is for your child to feel confident, have good friends, and succeed in life, but this feels so far away. . In therapy, your child will learn to recognize their strengths, develop new skills, and learn ways to cope with difficult emotions.
This social skills group is for kids ages 9 through 11. In this group, our first priority is help kids feel accepted and to embrace their many positive and unique qualities. We also explore common difficulties kids face such as dealing with disagreements, managing emotions, and understanding social rules. Through play and various activities, we help our group members practice understanding others' perspectives, becoming more flexible, using their words, and building conversations. Our group is designed to be fun and encouraging! If you are interested in hearing more, sign up for your free group screening today!
Hosted by Andrea Watkins
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, APCC
Verified Verified
Group meets in Simi Valley, CA 93063
You’re ready to understand why you feel like this. Perhaps you are dealing with recent life changes, family struggles, or relationship issues. You wonder if these feelings are temporary or normal, but regardless, you are ready to explore change. Maybe your relationships are not satisfying you, but you do not know where to start the repairing process. Perhaps you struggle with self-criticism and self-doubt. You want support and want to learn how to voice and address your needs, but at times it feels impossible. You know you can feel fulfilled, but you find it challenging to develop tools that will help you get where you want to be.
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Autism Support Groups
What is the most effective treatment for autism?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) has come to be considered the standard treatment for children with autism spectrum disorder, and research has confirmed its effectiveness for many children. Therapists trained in ABA techniques work with children (and their parents) on developing social skills, communication and learning abilities, and everyday habits of hygiene and grooming. The clinician will tailor their program to the child’s particular need but the overarching goal will be to help them advance as far as possible toward independence based on their level of symptoms and decrease the need for additional special services. Families should seek a mental health professional specifically trained in ABA, and holding special certification in the technique, who has extensive experience not only with the approach but in using it with children with the same level of symptoms as the child who needs care.
How does ABA work?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) sessions, which typically focus on positive reinforcement, can be intensive, lasting two or more hours several times a week, and continuing for two years or more. Therapists can also be expected to ask parents to take an active role in reinforcing lessons. Research has found that the technique can lead to major improvements that decrease the need for additional special services.
How does treatment for autism work?
Therapy sessions based on Applied Behavior Analysis will likely be frequent, intensive, and highly structured. After a thorough assessment, a therapist will help a child understand and develop skills in a range of areas, including communication, motor skills, social skills, self-care, play, and academic skills, as well as routines of daily living like hygiene. Typically, the therapist will help a child break down the components of a behavior—often referred to as the antecedent (what prompts an action), the behavior, and the consequence(what immediately follows)—and then reward the child at every step, while also asking parents to reinforce the lessons, and the rewards, throughout the day. This core therapy may be supplemented by occupational or speech therapy, and antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants may be prescribed to address specific severe symptoms.
How long does therapy for autism take?
Some people with autism spectrum disorder may be engaged in some level of therapy for many years, but research shows that treatment will be most effective if it is begun early and delivered intensively. When therapy begins by age 3, children tend to be better able to grasp and adopt the skills needed to manage everyday life, including attending school and establishing social relationships. This type of early-intervention treatment regimen is highly structured, typically involving 20 to 40 hours of one-on-one therapy per week, along with additional hours of engagement managed by parents, for a period of two years or more, although the duration of treatment is dependent on the child’s level of symptoms and pace of progress.