Join us for a Neurodivergent Men's Group with focus on building confidence in relationships, hosted by a queer, neurodivergent therapist. The group is open to cisgender and transgender men, 18 years or older, with suspected or diagnosed ADHD or Autism. The group starts on Thursday, April 30th at 5:45pm and runs weekly for 8 weeks. Cost per session is $45. Email kate@southparkpsych.com for more information and/or to register.
Join us for a Neurodivergent Men's Group with focus on building confidence in relationships, hosted by a queer, neurodivergent therapist. The group is open to cisgender and transgender men, 18 years or older, with suspected or diagnosed ADHD or Autism. The group starts on Thursday, April 30th at 5:45pm and runs weekly for 8 weeks. Cost per session is $45. Email kate@southparkpsych.com for more information and/or to register.
Children with ADHD and Autism often struggle with negative and judgmental thoughts when comparing their abilities to their peers. Yoga can help increase self-esteem and confidence. In addition, yoga incorporated with meditation and mindfulness can boost self-esteem and lower stress levels. While engaging in various balance poses, children are able to increase their attention and focus. Yoga has been shown to help improve symptoms of ADHD, Autism by increasing dopamine levels and strengthening the prefrontal cortex. In group settings, yoga can also increase social skills. This is a great way to incorporate mind and body approaches to improving symptoms of ADHD and Autism.
Hosted by Alyse Bone
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor, MS, CRC, LCMHC-S, RYT, RPT
Group meets in Charlotte, NC 28210
I specialize in neurodivergent people.
Children with ADHD and Autism often struggle with negative and judgmental thoughts when comparing their abilities to their peers. Yoga can help increase self-esteem and confidence. In addition, yoga incorporated with meditation and mindfulness can boost self-esteem and lower stress levels. While engaging in various balance poses, children are able to increase their attention and focus. Yoga has been shown to help improve symptoms of ADHD, Autism by increasing dopamine levels and strengthening the prefrontal cortex. In group settings, yoga can also increase social skills. This is a great way to incorporate mind and body approaches to improving symptoms of ADHD and Autism.
Dr. Megan Connell’s Applied D&D group, the Self-Rescuing Princess is back this fall! This group focuses on helping face anxiety, learn boundary setting, assertive communication, and cooperative problem solving. The first meeting of the group will help walk members through what the game is, how we play and what the expectations are within the game. Follow up meetings will be focused on play and practicing skills, with processing interweaved when appropriate.
Dr. Megan Connell’s Applied D&D group, the Self-Rescuing Princess is back this fall! This group focuses on helping face anxiety, learn boundary setting, assertive communication, and cooperative problem solving. The first meeting of the group will help walk members through what the game is, how we play and what the expectations are within the game. Follow up meetings will be focused on play and practicing skills, with processing interweaved when appropriate.
This FREE gathering is for autistic adults to connect with other autistic people in the Mecklenburg, NC area and is held in a private location in the Chantilly area of Charlotte (max 10 ppl per group). We hope to help you feel cozy, accommodated, and free to be unapologetically yourself. This is not a therapeutic group but a neuro-affirming peer group. **If you are a current or previous client of mine, this group is not a good fit, as it is unethical for me to foster a dual relationship.** Please sign up here: https://grasshoppersignup.com/s/95oxgv
Hosted by Elizabeth Ponds
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Group meets in Charlotte, NC 28205
This FREE gathering is for autistic adults to connect with other autistic people in the Mecklenburg, NC area and is held in a private location in the Chantilly area of Charlotte (max 10 ppl per group). We hope to help you feel cozy, accommodated, and free to be unapologetically yourself. This is not a therapeutic group but a neuro-affirming peer group. **If you are a current or previous client of mine, this group is not a good fit, as it is unethical for me to foster a dual relationship.** Please sign up here: https://grasshoppersignup.com/s/95oxgv
Embodying Safety Foundations led by Noah Granade is a 6-week psychotherapy group divided between educational components and personal application of material. Participants will learn about the interplay between our Attachment and Nervous systems, and the impacts of trauma, neuro-diversity, and oppression on these systems. Participants will engage in self-reflective activities with opportunities to share and connect with group members, but interpersonal experiential activities are reserved for Level 2. The primary goals of Level 1 are to gain a nuanced understanding of embodiment and wellness, potential barriers to accessing safe embodiment, and tap personal applications of these principles.
Embodying Safety Foundations led by Noah Granade is a 6-week psychotherapy group divided between educational components and personal application of material. Participants will learn about the interplay between our Attachment and Nervous systems, and the impacts of trauma, neuro-diversity, and oppression on these systems. Participants will engage in self-reflective activities with opportunities to share and connect with group members, but interpersonal experiential activities are reserved for Level 2. The primary goals of Level 1 are to gain a nuanced understanding of embodiment and wellness, potential barriers to accessing safe embodiment, and tap personal applications of these principles.
I help overwhelmed parents and caregivers in neurodivergent families exhale, regroup, and remember that they are more than the crises they’re managing. Whether you are parenting a neurodivergent child, caring for a loved one with complex needs, or navigating your own late-identified neurodivergence, our work together creates space where you do not have to translate or shrink yourself to be understood. Sessions are trauma-informed, collaborative, and paced to your nervous system—not to anyone else’s expectations. You do need curiosity and a willingness to explore.
Hosted by Capable Counseling NC
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHCA, P-RDT
Group meets in Charlotte, NC 28204
I help overwhelmed parents and caregivers in neurodivergent families exhale, regroup, and remember that they are more than the crises they’re managing. Whether you are parenting a neurodivergent child, caring for a loved one with complex needs, or navigating your own late-identified neurodivergence, our work together creates space where you do not have to translate or shrink yourself to be understood. Sessions are trauma-informed, collaborative, and paced to your nervous system—not to anyone else’s expectations. You do need curiosity and a willingness to explore.
You wonder if this is typical, if other kids do the same. Your little one just doesn't seem as social as the other kids. It feels like they already have no friends. They play alone, or right next to another child, but they never interact. Or maybe, your child seems bossy. They are hitting, pushing, biting, it's a mess. You feel like they might get kicked out of preschool- or they already have been. You want a play group that can teach them to play nice and be nice.
Hosted by Michelle M. Tolison
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor, LCMHCQS, RPT-S, LPC, MS
Group meets in Charlotte, NC 28210
You wonder if this is typical, if other kids do the same. Your little one just doesn't seem as social as the other kids. It feels like they already have no friends. They play alone, or right next to another child, but they never interact. Or maybe, your child seems bossy. They are hitting, pushing, biting, it's a mess. You feel like they might get kicked out of preschool- or they already have been. You want a play group that can teach them to play nice and be nice.
This group is specifically designed for children ages 8-13 with Autism, ADHD, are highly gifted, socially isolated, experiencing bullying and/or teasing or could benefit from social role models and developing healthy friendships and boundaries. We target the following areas - Building confidence and self-esteem - Accepting Constructive Criticism - Understanding the difference between teasing and bullying - Self advocating in an appropriate way - Learning back and forth conversation skills - Basic and advanced friendship and social skills - Practice being both a leader and an effective follower
Hosted by Michelle M. Tolison
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor, LCMHCQS, RPT-S, LPC, MS
Group meets in Charlotte, NC 28210
This group is specifically designed for children ages 8-13 with Autism, ADHD, are highly gifted, socially isolated, experiencing bullying and/or teasing or could benefit from social role models and developing healthy friendships and boundaries. We target the following areas - Building confidence and self-esteem - Accepting Constructive Criticism - Understanding the difference between teasing and bullying - Self advocating in an appropriate way - Learning back and forth conversation skills - Basic and advanced friendship and social skills - Practice being both a leader and an effective follower
Your child knows they need support, but they’re convinced so many things are wrong with them. They are anxious about school, friends, making decisions, and pretty much anything and everything. All this anxiety keeps them from enjoying just being a kid. They are always comparing themselves to others, saying they aren’t good enough or that they’re a failure. They put so much pressure on themselves to just fit in! You know they need a group setting to realize that other kids are just like them and this group will offer that.
Hosted by Michelle M. Tolison
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor, LCMHCQS, RPT-S, LPC, MS
Group meets in Charlotte, NC 28210
Your child knows they need support, but they’re convinced so many things are wrong with them. They are anxious about school, friends, making decisions, and pretty much anything and everything. All this anxiety keeps them from enjoying just being a kid. They are always comparing themselves to others, saying they aren’t good enough or that they’re a failure. They put so much pressure on themselves to just fit in! You know they need a group setting to realize that other kids are just like them and this group will offer that.
More Groups Nearby
This supportive group is designed for high-functioning high school students who want to build confidence in social situations. In a welcoming, judgement-free environment, teens will learn practical communication strategies and social skills that can be applied to everyday interactions at school, home, and in the community. Through structured activities, real-world practice, and peer support, participants will develop tools for starting/maintaining conversations, reading social cues/body language, managing social anxiety in group settings, making friendships, navigating common social scenarios. This group celebrates individual differences and helps provide connection with others.
This supportive group is designed for high-functioning high school students who want to build confidence in social situations. In a welcoming, judgement-free environment, teens will learn practical communication strategies and social skills that can be applied to everyday interactions at school, home, and in the community. Through structured activities, real-world practice, and peer support, participants will develop tools for starting/maintaining conversations, reading social cues/body language, managing social anxiety in group settings, making friendships, navigating common social scenarios. This group celebrates individual differences and helps provide connection with others.
Our upcoming neurodivergent support group is for late-diagnosed or self-identified adults navigating ADHD, autism, sensory differences, and masking fatigue. This space is affirming, inclusive, and built for real connection—not performance. Together, we’ll explore identity, unlearn shame, and build self-understanding through open conversation, creative tools, and nervous system care. You don’t have to figure it all out alone. Fill out the Form If Interested: https://forms.gle/B3v8Zz2Jy4Mdfyds5
Hosted by Journey Counseling PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, LISW-CP
Group meets in Gastonia, NC 28054
Journey Counseling PLLC offers trauma-informed therapy in North Carolina for anxiety, depression, relationship issues, ADHD, autism, adolescent therapy, family counseling, and faith-inclusive care.
Our upcoming neurodivergent support group is for late-diagnosed or self-identified adults navigating ADHD, autism, sensory differences, and masking fatigue. This space is affirming, inclusive, and built for real connection—not performance. Together, we’ll explore identity, unlearn shame, and build self-understanding through open conversation, creative tools, and nervous system care. You don’t have to figure it all out alone. Fill out the Form If Interested: https://forms.gle/B3v8Zz2Jy4Mdfyds5
Individual and family counseling for all ages.
Hosted by Jackie Kurtz
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MEd, LCMHC, NCC, LPC TN
Group meets in Mooresville, NC 28117
Individual and family counseling for all ages.
The Social Skills Group will be using Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), a role-playing game, to create social scenarios for the participants to increase social and emotional skills. Participants/players in the group will create an adventurer to role-play in D&D and we will be playing the game therapeutically. The Social Skills Group is ideal for helping individuals who feel they struggle with social development or feel they struggle in social interactions.
The Social Skills Group will be using Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), a role-playing game, to create social scenarios for the participants to increase social and emotional skills. Participants/players in the group will create an adventurer to role-play in D&D and we will be playing the game therapeutically. The Social Skills Group is ideal for helping individuals who feel they struggle with social development or feel they struggle in social interactions.
Group members will delve into the following topics while enjoying pizza & integrating skills through play & videogame competitions: Navigating Reciprocal Conversations, Initiating & Concluding Conversations, Nonverbal Communication, Selecting Friends, & Identifying Toxic friendships. Our Social Understanding groups are influenced by the UCLA evidenced-based program. Our primary focus is increasing each individual's self-confidence as well as their understanding of social interactions rather than learning prescribed social skills. This focus promotes autonomy as well as the ability to make an intentional choice when socializing rather than complying with social rules &/or masking. Cost of each bootcamp is $550. www.cltpeersgroup.com
Hosted by Amy Dombrosky
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHC, NCC
Group meets in Huntersville, NC 28078
Group members will delve into the following topics while enjoying pizza & integrating skills through play & videogame competitions: Navigating Reciprocal Conversations, Initiating & Concluding Conversations, Nonverbal Communication, Selecting Friends, & Identifying Toxic friendships. Our Social Understanding groups are influenced by the UCLA evidenced-based program. Our primary focus is increasing each individual's self-confidence as well as their understanding of social interactions rather than learning prescribed social skills. This focus promotes autonomy as well as the ability to make an intentional choice when socializing rather than complying with social rules &/or masking. Cost of each bootcamp is $550. www.cltpeersgroup.com
Does your child have BIG feelings, difficulty handling frustration, impulsive reactions, or need extra practice with social skills? Our new 3-week Playing CBT Group for ages 7–10 and 11-13 helps kids build emotional regulation, flexible thinking, coping skills, and confidence through FUN interactive therapy games and activities! For children who: ? Need support with emotional regulation or behavior ? Struggle socially or emotionally ? Would benefit from structured peer interaction ? Are homeschooled and looking for social-emotional enrichment opportunities Kids learn best through play — and this group makes practicing emotional skills feel engaging, supportive, and empowering. Limited spots available!
Hosted by Roots and Blooms Counseling and Coaching
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA, LCMHC
Group meets in Cornelius, NC 28031
Does your child have BIG feelings, difficulty handling frustration, impulsive reactions, or need extra practice with social skills? Our new 3-week Playing CBT Group for ages 7–10 and 11-13 helps kids build emotional regulation, flexible thinking, coping skills, and confidence through FUN interactive therapy games and activities! For children who: ? Need support with emotional regulation or behavior ? Struggle socially or emotionally ? Would benefit from structured peer interaction ? Are homeschooled and looking for social-emotional enrichment opportunities Kids learn best through play — and this group makes practicing emotional skills feel engaging, supportive, and empowering. Limited spots available!
Social group focusing on friendships, communication, coping skills, self-esteem and emotions.
Social group focusing on friendships, communication, coping skills, self-esteem and emotions.
This is a closed group created specifically for Black mothers of autistic children. Over our time together we move through themes that reflect the fullness of your experience: the weight of caregiving, the grief and rage that do not always have a name, the systems you have had to fight, and who you are beyond the role of mother. This is a structured space for healing, processing, and reclaiming yourself. You will leave knowing you are not alone and that there is more available to you than survival.
This is a closed group created specifically for Black mothers of autistic children. Over our time together we move through themes that reflect the fullness of your experience: the weight of caregiving, the grief and rage that do not always have a name, the systems you have had to fight, and who you are beyond the role of mother. This is a structured space for healing, processing, and reclaiming yourself. You will leave knowing you are not alone and that there is more available to you than survival.
[Connection Club: Social Skills group for K-2nd Graders]- The Connection Club makes learning fun and helps every child flourish into a social superstar! [Table Top Gaming Social Skills Group for Pre-teens & Teens]- Take up the mantle of a hero, and live out stories full of adventure and magic, while honing your skills in healthy relationships, frustration tolerance, identity development, and emotional adaptability. [Creative Based Groups for Girls- Pre-teen & Teen Groups]- Through the exploration of creative mediums, pre-teens & teens will develop mental and physical tools for reducing unhelpful thinking patterns and establishing healthy perspectives alongside like-minded peers.
Hosted by Davidson Family Therapy
Counselor, LCMHC, LCMHCA, LCAS, MSW, LMFTA
Group meets in Cornelius, NC 28031
[Connection Club: Social Skills group for K-2nd Graders]- The Connection Club makes learning fun and helps every child flourish into a social superstar! [Table Top Gaming Social Skills Group for Pre-teens & Teens]- Take up the mantle of a hero, and live out stories full of adventure and magic, while honing your skills in healthy relationships, frustration tolerance, identity development, and emotional adaptability. [Creative Based Groups for Girls- Pre-teen & Teen Groups]- Through the exploration of creative mediums, pre-teens & teens will develop mental and physical tools for reducing unhelpful thinking patterns and establishing healthy perspectives alongside like-minded peers.
Our Social Understanding Groups are influenced by the evidenced-based UCLA program PEERS®. The primary focus of our program is increasing teens self-confidence as well as their understanding of social interactions rather than learning prescribed social skills. This focus promotes autonomy as well as the ability to make an intentional choice when socializing rather than complying with social rules and/or masking. Each group incorporates the themes of self-advocacy, self-regulation, perspective-taking, boundaries, & problem-solving skills into the lesson. This group may be appropriate for teens with Autism, ADHD, Anxiety, & or Depression. WWW.CLTPEERSGROUP.COM
Hosted by Amy Dombrosky
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHC, NCC
Group meets in Huntersville, NC 28078
Our Social Understanding Groups are influenced by the evidenced-based UCLA program PEERS®. The primary focus of our program is increasing teens self-confidence as well as their understanding of social interactions rather than learning prescribed social skills. This focus promotes autonomy as well as the ability to make an intentional choice when socializing rather than complying with social rules and/or masking. Each group incorporates the themes of self-advocacy, self-regulation, perspective-taking, boundaries, & problem-solving skills into the lesson. This group may be appropriate for teens with Autism, ADHD, Anxiety, & or Depression. WWW.CLTPEERSGROUP.COM
This supportive group helps teenagers develop essential social skills and build confidence in interpersonal situations. Students will learn practical strategies for initiating conversations, practice active listening techniques, and expressing themselves clearly and effectively. The group provides a safe space to address social anxiety while developing the communication skills needed to form and maintain stronger relationships with peers. Through interactive exercises and peer support, students will gain necessary tools to navigate social situations with greater ease and authenticity.
This supportive group helps teenagers develop essential social skills and build confidence in interpersonal situations. Students will learn practical strategies for initiating conversations, practice active listening techniques, and expressing themselves clearly and effectively. The group provides a safe space to address social anxiety while developing the communication skills needed to form and maintain stronger relationships with peers. Through interactive exercises and peer support, students will gain necessary tools to navigate social situations with greater ease and authenticity.
See more therapy options for Charlotte
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.