This group offers support to mothers who are parenting children who are diagnosed with Autism. The group focuses on parenting strategies and provides support for these mothers.

Hosted by Kathryn Rose Gately
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, BCBA
Group meets in Ridgewood, NJ 07450
This group offers support to mothers who are parenting children who are diagnosed with Autism. The group focuses on parenting strategies and provides support for these mothers.
Do you have an adolescent or adult child who struggles with social skills? Genesis Psychotherapy and Integrative Health now offers individuals on the Autism Spectrum a comfortable and experiential environment to learn, and ultimately master the social skills to live life to the fullest. This interactive group is now offered through tele-health. Call (609) 216-5697 to schedule a free consultation.

Hosted by Daphne Alroy-Thiberge
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Group meets in Princeton, NJ 08540
Do you have an adolescent or adult child who struggles with social skills? Genesis Psychotherapy and Integrative Health now offers individuals on the Autism Spectrum a comfortable and experiential environment to learn, and ultimately master the social skills to live life to the fullest. This interactive group is now offered through tele-health. Call (609) 216-5697 to schedule a free consultation.
Training for caretakers and parents of early autism. This groups educates caretakers on what to expect, the overall condition and most updated methods, while creating a safe place for support.

Hosted by Van Reipen Counseling and Psychological Services
Psychologist, PhD
Group meets in Jersey City, NJ 07306
Training for caretakers and parents of early autism. This groups educates caretakers on what to expect, the overall condition and most updated methods, while creating a safe place for support.
Executive Functioning: Great for kids with ADHD, high functioning Autism, emotional and behavioral dysregulation. Social Skills: Build connections with peers, improve social interactions, learn to express emotions correctly, and cooperative play with peers. Weekly sessions for both groups at Baker Street Behavioral Health's North Jersey Pediatric Development Center in Fair Lawn. To enroll contact 833-932-2724 or email info@bakerstreetpsych.com

Hosted by Baker Street Behavioral Health, PsyD, LPC, LCSW
Psychologist, PsyD, LPC, LCSW, ANP-BC, MD
Group meets in Fair Lawn, NJ 07410
Executive Functioning: Great for kids with ADHD, high functioning Autism, emotional and behavioral dysregulation. Social Skills: Build connections with peers, improve social interactions, learn to express emotions correctly, and cooperative play with peers. Weekly sessions for both groups at Baker Street Behavioral Health's North Jersey Pediatric Development Center in Fair Lawn. To enroll contact 833-932-2724 or email info@bakerstreetpsych.com
Intense Behavioral Service is a group of practitioners that service children and adults with multiple developmental disabilities including Autism, ADHD and mental health counseling.
Intense Behavioral Service is a group of practitioners that service children and adults with multiple developmental disabilities including Autism, ADHD and mental health counseling.
Social Skills group for teens on the Autism Spectrum using a combination of peer-led discussions and inspired by the evidence based practice Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS) from UCLA Semel Institute.

Hosted by Jenna Siciliano
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC, ASDCS
Group meets in Manasquan, NJ 08736
I have recently become a Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist in an effort to continue to provide the best care to clients
Social Skills group for teens on the Autism Spectrum using a combination of peer-led discussions and inspired by the evidence based practice Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS) from UCLA Semel Institute.
What? How? Navigating college can be difficult but should be a time of growth and self-exploration. For many students with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Order) or ASD ( Autism Spectrum Disorder) it can be an overwhelming process. Having a community or group to rely on helps lessen the load and takes the pressure off from constant reminders from parents or others, as well as the frustration of applying tips from neuro-typical individuals who mean well but often have trouble understanding what it is like to be neuro-divergent. Come join our small group community. Groups limited to 8-10 people.

Hosted by Misty A Shores
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, CCS
Group meets in Westfield, NJ 07090
In my practice, my focus is on supporting clients who may be struggling with anxiety, life transitions, grief, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, ADHD, and Autism.
What? How? Navigating college can be difficult but should be a time of growth and self-exploration. For many students with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Order) or ASD ( Autism Spectrum Disorder) it can be an overwhelming process. Having a community or group to rely on helps lessen the load and takes the pressure off from constant reminders from parents or others, as well as the frustration of applying tips from neuro-typical individuals who mean well but often have trouble understanding what it is like to be neuro-divergent. Come join our small group community. Groups limited to 8-10 people.
This group helps students diagnosed with Autism, ADHD, and Anxiety to gain social skills for classroom setting with peers. Group format includes social skill, activity and education . Ages 4-10, grouped by age, 45 minute session. Accepting private insurance and self pay (no Medicaid or medicare) Call 856-228-1005 for more information. www.LittleHandsServices.com Masks required CDC guidelines followed; Groups available Saturday, Wednesday new groups added with registrations flexible times available

Hosted by Stacy Haynes
Licensed Professional Counselor, EdD, LPC, ACS
Group meets in Turnersville, NJ 08012
This group helps students diagnosed with Autism, ADHD, and Anxiety to gain social skills for classroom setting with peers. Group format includes social skill, activity and education . Ages 4-10, grouped by age, 45 minute session. Accepting private insurance and self pay (no Medicaid or medicare) Call 856-228-1005 for more information. www.LittleHandsServices.com Masks required CDC guidelines followed; Groups available Saturday, Wednesday new groups added with registrations flexible times available
*Fall 2024 Group Starts October 18!* Welcome to the Connections CREW, a strength-based group for neurodivergent girls ages 13-18! If you have been diagnosed with or present with traits relating to ADHD or Autism, then this group is for you. The small group meets over six sessions to discover & enhance various aspects of the self: awareness, confidence, honesty, and love. This will include comparing and contrasting neurotypical norms and expectations around socialization, communication, thoughts/feelings, regulation, and advocacy. This will all be done in a safe, social environment where your strengths, interests, and ideas are supported and encouraged!

Hosted by Vanessa Morgenthaler
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, SAC
Group meets in Morristown, NJ 07960
*Fall 2024 Group Starts October 18!* Welcome to the Connections CREW, a strength-based group for neurodivergent girls ages 13-18! If you have been diagnosed with or present with traits relating to ADHD or Autism, then this group is for you. The small group meets over six sessions to discover & enhance various aspects of the self: awareness, confidence, honesty, and love. This will include comparing and contrasting neurotypical norms and expectations around socialization, communication, thoughts/feelings, regulation, and advocacy. This will all be done in a safe, social environment where your strengths, interests, and ideas are supported and encouraged!
Our teen social skills groups for 13 to 17 year old's also experiencing attention deficit disorder and or autism spectrum disorder, provides a safe, nurturing and confidential environment for teens to grow socially and emotionally. Topics include: dealing with isolation, conflicts at home and school, peer pressure, bullying, low motivation, anxiety and depression, problem solving and more. https://www.bringhope.ngo/scheduling/

Hosted by Bring Hope
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, SAP
Group meets in Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442
Our teen social skills groups for 13 to 17 year old's also experiencing attention deficit disorder and or autism spectrum disorder, provides a safe, nurturing and confidential environment for teens to grow socially and emotionally. Topics include: dealing with isolation, conflicts at home and school, peer pressure, bullying, low motivation, anxiety and depression, problem solving and more. https://www.bringhope.ngo/scheduling/
This group helps children learn to manage life skills. For children with Autism, ADHD, and behavioral challenges. Self pay $180 for 6 sessions. (no insurance, Medicaid or medicare) Call 856-228-1005 for more information. June 1- August 18th. Wednesday and Thursday evenings

Hosted by Stacy Haynes
Licensed Professional Counselor, EdD, LPC, ACS
Group meets in Turnersville, NJ 08012
This group helps children learn to manage life skills. For children with Autism, ADHD, and behavioral challenges. Self pay $180 for 6 sessions. (no insurance, Medicaid or medicare) Call 856-228-1005 for more information. June 1- August 18th. Wednesday and Thursday evenings
This social skills group provides direct training with peers of appropriate age and skill level to learn and use skills like, taking turns, showing interest in peers, making small talk, and identifying the emotions of others, which will increase their ability to communicate effectively and develop healthy peer relationships. It is most beneficial for children and adolescents with ADHD, learning differences, high functioning autism spectrum disorder, and/or mild social deficits. Within this group, your children will learn new skills and can practice those skills by taking part in enjoyable group activities, round robin conversations, games, crafts, and more.

This social skills group provides direct training with peers of appropriate age and skill level to learn and use skills like, taking turns, showing interest in peers, making small talk, and identifying the emotions of others, which will increase their ability to communicate effectively and develop healthy peer relationships. It is most beneficial for children and adolescents with ADHD, learning differences, high functioning autism spectrum disorder, and/or mild social deficits. Within this group, your children will learn new skills and can practice those skills by taking part in enjoyable group activities, round robin conversations, games, crafts, and more.
An 8-week, in-person group designed to help teens strengthen real world social skills in a supportive, affirming space.

An 8-week, in-person group designed to help teens strengthen real world social skills in a supportive, affirming space.
This therapy group is intended for those who have discovered their neurodivergence as adults and would benefit from processing and sharing with others in a similar position. In our work, we will explore the impacts of neurodivergence on your life and identify pathways for adapting and/or creating a life better aligned with the way your brain works. Themes are :your discovery journey, authenticity and impacts of masking, impacts of trauma, internalized ableism, living in a world not designed for us, and (re-)designing a life you love. The facilitator is Angela Konin, LSW. A stim-friendly space !

Hosted by The Princeton Center for MindBody Healing
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Group meets in Princeton, NJ 08540
This therapy group is intended for those who have discovered their neurodivergence as adults and would benefit from processing and sharing with others in a similar position. In our work, we will explore the impacts of neurodivergence on your life and identify pathways for adapting and/or creating a life better aligned with the way your brain works. Themes are :your discovery journey, authenticity and impacts of masking, impacts of trauma, internalized ableism, living in a world not designed for us, and (re-)designing a life you love. The facilitator is Angela Konin, LSW. A stim-friendly space !
I am pleased to offer this social skills group for early adolescents entering middle school years. The emphasis will be on building and forming friendships, learning how to learning, learning how to say the right thing and learning how to read social cues.

Hosted by Sarah D Perkins
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, DSW, LCSW, NCPsyA
Group meets in Ridgewood, NJ 07450
I am pleased to offer this social skills group for early adolescents entering middle school years. The emphasis will be on building and forming friendships, learning how to learning, learning how to say the right thing and learning how to read social cues.
Now enrolling for 5 week Summer Social Skills Intensive. Rising Kindergartners and First Graders will learn foundational skills such as Joining In Play, Sharing, Conversation skills, and Dealing with Big Feelings. May be reimbursed through OON Benefits. Call me for more details!

Hosted by Play It ForWords Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RPT
Group meets in Boonton, NJ 07005
Now enrolling for 5 week Summer Social Skills Intensive. Rising Kindergartners and First Graders will learn foundational skills such as Joining In Play, Sharing, Conversation skills, and Dealing with Big Feelings. May be reimbursed through OON Benefits. Call me for more details!
Growth and learning through creative expression and the tapping of the imagination, a person can examine the body, feelings, emotions and his or her thought process. The creative process of art making allows for a child to move into the psychosocial stage of industry vs. inferiority. During this period, a child with ASD can use the creative process to enhance competency and mastery, allowing for positive development of their self-esteem and relationship skills.

Growth and learning through creative expression and the tapping of the imagination, a person can examine the body, feelings, emotions and his or her thought process. The creative process of art making allows for a child to move into the psychosocial stage of industry vs. inferiority. During this period, a child with ASD can use the creative process to enhance competency and mastery, allowing for positive development of their self-esteem and relationship skills.
Social skills group for teenagers.

Hosted by Dan Bender
Licensed Professional Counselor, MAEdS, LPC, NCC
Group meets in Springfield, NJ 07081
Social skills group for teenagers.
The goal of this virtual group is to provide support to individuals on the spectrum including learning about their diagnoses, improving social skills, and practicing strategies to overcome challenges and foster independence. Each session will have a different topic to focus on including respecting boundaries and personal space, maintaining relationships, emotional regulation, behavioral challenges, increasing motivation, support with education, conversation skills, coping strategies, routines and accepting change. Group meets once a month for 1 hour.

Hosted by Kerrianne Galvin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Group meets in East Brunswick, NJ 08816
The goal of this virtual group is to provide support to individuals on the spectrum including learning about their diagnoses, improving social skills, and practicing strategies to overcome challenges and foster independence. Each session will have a different topic to focus on including respecting boundaries and personal space, maintaining relationships, emotional regulation, behavioral challenges, increasing motivation, support with education, conversation skills, coping strategies, routines and accepting change. Group meets once a month for 1 hour.
For many years, neurodivergent people have lacked a supportive, nurturing, and safe space to exist. This group is meant for neurodivergent people to help one another by providing support, creating activities, and clearly communicating feelings and needs.

Hosted by Peter Keenan Linden
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Group meets in Montclair, NJ 07042
For many years, neurodivergent people have lacked a supportive, nurturing, and safe space to exist. This group is meant for neurodivergent people to help one another by providing support, creating activities, and clearly communicating feelings and needs.
See more therapy options for New Jersey
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.