Offered to children in the 2nd through 4th-grade, this group utilizes both competitive and cooperative gameplay to promote and develop interpersonal skills, self-regulation, and challenge executive functioning.
Hosted by Adam D Williams
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, RPT-S
Group meets in Charlottesville, VA 22901
Offered to children in the 2nd through 4th-grade, this group utilizes both competitive and cooperative gameplay to promote and develop interpersonal skills, self-regulation, and challenge executive functioning.
Active group online and in person! Offering a place for young adults to strengthen healthy peer relationships. Group members may be struggling with Aspergers, Autism Spectrum, and Social Anxiety issues.
Hosted by Adam D Williams
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, RPT-S
Group meets in Charlottesville, VA 22901
Active group online and in person! Offering a place for young adults to strengthen healthy peer relationships. Group members may be struggling with Aspergers, Autism Spectrum, and Social Anxiety issues.
Online Groups
This virtual group is for children and teens 11-14 years old with a focus on social skill development and practice. This group is ideal for individuals with anxiety, ADHD, Autism, or other conditions, who have difficulty interacting with peers or initiating friendships, engage in avoidance of social situations, or who have difficulty managing emotions within peer settings. Each group will focus on development of evidence-based skills, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Group members will learn and practice skills, present concerns, and receive feedback from group members, with emphasis on practice between sessions.
This virtual group is for children and teens 11-14 years old with a focus on social skill development and practice. This group is ideal for individuals with anxiety, ADHD, Autism, or other conditions, who have difficulty interacting with peers or initiating friendships, engage in avoidance of social situations, or who have difficulty managing emotions within peer settings. Each group will focus on development of evidence-based skills, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Group members will learn and practice skills, present concerns, and receive feedback from group members, with emphasis on practice between sessions.
This therapy group utilizes the table top roleplaying game Dungeons and Dragons. This group is great for those who want to learn better social skills, or want to explore themes and topics utilizing the powerful group storytelling that can be achieved with D&D. There are multiple groups for Children, Teens, and Adults.
This therapy group utilizes the table top roleplaying game Dungeons and Dragons. This group is great for those who want to learn better social skills, or want to explore themes and topics utilizing the powerful group storytelling that can be achieved with D&D. There are multiple groups for Children, Teens, and Adults.
We specialize in teaching social skills to children, adolescents, and adults using my Peer Process Social Skills Groups technique. Please visit PsychLife.net for more information.
We specialize in teaching social skills to children, adolescents, and adults using my Peer Process Social Skills Groups technique. Please visit PsychLife.net for more information.
One-week LEGO® Therapy Social Skills Group summer camp for children with social communication difficulties. This evidence-based program uses LEGO® activities to practice turn-taking, sharing, communication, perspective-taking, following rules, problem-solving, and collaboration. Ideal for children with social or behavioral challenges, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, or Social Pragmatic Communication Disorder. Sessions for ages 10-14 run from June 24-28, 2024, Monday to Friday, 10-12:30 pm (bring lunch). Sessions for ages 6-9 run from June 24-28, 2024, Monday to Friday, 1-3:30 pm (bring a snack). Limited availability with rolling admissions.
One-week LEGO® Therapy Social Skills Group summer camp for children with social communication difficulties. This evidence-based program uses LEGO® activities to practice turn-taking, sharing, communication, perspective-taking, following rules, problem-solving, and collaboration. Ideal for children with social or behavioral challenges, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, or Social Pragmatic Communication Disorder. Sessions for ages 10-14 run from June 24-28, 2024, Monday to Friday, 10-12:30 pm (bring lunch). Sessions for ages 6-9 run from June 24-28, 2024, Monday to Friday, 1-3:30 pm (bring a snack). Limited availability with rolling admissions.
Designed for post–high school young adults, this group helps build real-world social skills in a fun, supportive environment. Strengthen communication. Learn the impact of positive relationships on mental health. Practice healthy peer interactions through age-appropriate games and activities Make connections that matter.
Designed for post–high school young adults, this group helps build real-world social skills in a fun, supportive environment. Strengthen communication. Learn the impact of positive relationships on mental health. Practice healthy peer interactions through age-appropriate games and activities Make connections that matter.
We currently facilitate over 20 groups each week. Given this, we are able to match each group member by age AND level of functioning. This is essential in order to teach social skills. Additionally, child and adolescent groups are always scheduled during non-school hours.
Hosted by Psychological and Life Skills Associates
Psychologist
Group meets in Fredericksburg, VA 22401
We currently facilitate over 20 groups each week. Given this, we are able to match each group member by age AND level of functioning. This is essential in order to teach social skills. Additionally, child and adolescent groups are always scheduled during non-school hours.
Connect & Thrive is an in-person therapeutic group designed for adolescents. This group provides a structured, supportive environment where teens can develop interpersonal skills, improve communication, and build meaningful social connections
Connect & Thrive is an in-person therapeutic group designed for adolescents. This group provides a structured, supportive environment where teens can develop interpersonal skills, improve communication, and build meaningful social connections
Children ages 6-10 of introverted temperament come together to form supportive friendships, cope with social anxiety, and practice social skills; through play, art making and mindful movement. With Dr.D’s facilitation, children become aware of the strengths of introverts, cope with social anxiety, and practice friendship skills, such as initiating/exiting interactions, joining groups, resolving conflicts and responding to teasing. This group is appropriate for children who experience social anxiety or separation anxiety, or have been formally evaluated for Autism Spectrum Disorder, in level 1 (not 2 or 3). 6 sessions, 55 min for $800. Children 6-10.
Hosted by Diana Bermudez
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC
Group meets in Arlington, VA 22207
Children ages 6-10 of introverted temperament come together to form supportive friendships, cope with social anxiety, and practice social skills; through play, art making and mindful movement. With Dr.D’s facilitation, children become aware of the strengths of introverts, cope with social anxiety, and practice friendship skills, such as initiating/exiting interactions, joining groups, resolving conflicts and responding to teasing. This group is appropriate for children who experience social anxiety or separation anxiety, or have been formally evaluated for Autism Spectrum Disorder, in level 1 (not 2 or 3). 6 sessions, 55 min for $800. Children 6-10.
Parenting can be especially challenging when your child has difficulties regulating their emotions. This group provides parents with tools to support and help their children grow, while also resolving issues within the family dynamic. Parents will learn how to address behavior through effective communication and enhanced understanding, which will reduce power struggles with their children and enhance the entire family dynamic. Interactive sessions, group discussions, and personalized feedback will be provided during each session. In addition to the education, the group offers a supportive space to connect with other parents experiencing similar dynamics.
I have extensive and diverse experiences supporting the first responder/military and autism community in various settings including clinical, volunteer, and research.
Parenting can be especially challenging when your child has difficulties regulating their emotions. This group provides parents with tools to support and help their children grow, while also resolving issues within the family dynamic. Parents will learn how to address behavior through effective communication and enhanced understanding, which will reduce power struggles with their children and enhance the entire family dynamic. Interactive sessions, group discussions, and personalized feedback will be provided during each session. In addition to the education, the group offers a supportive space to connect with other parents experiencing similar dynamics.
This is a group for high school students to connect and support each other as they learn and develop their social skills.
Hosted by Anna Miller
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Group meets in Fredericksburg, VA 22401
This is a group for high school students to connect and support each other as they learn and develop their social skills.
Facilitated by a career growth and leadership expert. For neurodivergent adults ages 20-40, including those with Autism and ADHD. Gain deeper understanding of the soft skills needed to be successful in the workplace, including communication, feedback, and networking. Also learn the technical skills needed, like successful interviewing, resume building, and job searching. Build the skills needed to be successful in the workplace and advance your career! Learn more about dates and times on my website.
Hosted by Dr. Tabitha Hapeman
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNP
Group meets in Woodbridge, VA 22191
I understand neurodivergence, because I'm neurodivergent.
Facilitated by a career growth and leadership expert. For neurodivergent adults ages 20-40, including those with Autism and ADHD. Gain deeper understanding of the soft skills needed to be successful in the workplace, including communication, feedback, and networking. Also learn the technical skills needed, like successful interviewing, resume building, and job searching. Build the skills needed to be successful in the workplace and advance your career! Learn more about dates and times on my website.
Helping kids build friendships, communication, and confidence—brick by brick! Through fun, guided LEGO® activities, children learn: ? Positive communication ? Frustration tolerance ? Healthy peer interactions
Helping kids build friendships, communication, and confidence—brick by brick! Through fun, guided LEGO® activities, children learn: ? Positive communication ? Frustration tolerance ? Healthy peer interactions
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based treatment that helps individuals live more in the moment, better manage intense emotions, reduce impulsive behavior, and improve their relationships. We go over coping skills and strategies from the modules of DBT: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. Participants commit to joining eight weeks at a time, The full program is 24 weeks. Vanessa Cheshier, LCSW completed DBT intensive training through Fairfax County in 2019. She has been facilitating DBT skills groups for the past three years. Morgan Moore, Graduate Intern, has completed DBT coursework and training to support DBT skills groups.
I have extensive and diverse experiences supporting the first responder/military and autism community in various settings including clinical, volunteer, and research.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based treatment that helps individuals live more in the moment, better manage intense emotions, reduce impulsive behavior, and improve their relationships. We go over coping skills and strategies from the modules of DBT: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. Participants commit to joining eight weeks at a time, The full program is 24 weeks. Vanessa Cheshier, LCSW completed DBT intensive training through Fairfax County in 2019. She has been facilitating DBT skills groups for the past three years. Morgan Moore, Graduate Intern, has completed DBT coursework and training to support DBT skills groups.
Designed for undergraduate college and university students who have Autism and/or ADHD. This skill building group will help you develop both the technical skills, like organization and studying, and the soft skills, like communication with peers and professors, to help you achieve school success. Group size is limited and facilitated seasonally. Learn more about dates and times on my website.
Hosted by Dr. Tabitha Hapeman
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNP
Group meets in Woodbridge, VA 22191
I understand neurodivergence, because I'm neurodivergent.
Designed for undergraduate college and university students who have Autism and/or ADHD. This skill building group will help you develop both the technical skills, like organization and studying, and the soft skills, like communication with peers and professors, to help you achieve school success. Group size is limited and facilitated seasonally. Learn more about dates and times on my website.
8-week virtual group for autistic, ADHD and possibly neurodivergent adults experiencing or fearing burnout. Learn about neurodivergent burnout, masking, and how chronic override impacts your nervous system. Group curriculum week includes psychoeducation, skills practice, modeling boundaries, and guided work toward a personalized burnout prevention plan. Small, supportive group, 75-90 minutes weekly, on Tuesday via secure Telehealth (Doxy.me) for 8 sessions, starting 6/16. Adults in Maryland and Virginia. Group combines psychoeducation, skills practice, mindfulness, and peer reflection. If interested, please complete this short interest form & I'll follow up w/ brief screening call- https://forms.gle/NxS8fJVWAJueKNPz5
For over 15 years, I've walked alongside autistic individuals on their journeys.
8-week virtual group for autistic, ADHD and possibly neurodivergent adults experiencing or fearing burnout. Learn about neurodivergent burnout, masking, and how chronic override impacts your nervous system. Group curriculum week includes psychoeducation, skills practice, modeling boundaries, and guided work toward a personalized burnout prevention plan. Small, supportive group, 75-90 minutes weekly, on Tuesday via secure Telehealth (Doxy.me) for 8 sessions, starting 6/16. Adults in Maryland and Virginia. Group combines psychoeducation, skills practice, mindfulness, and peer reflection. If interested, please complete this short interest form & I'll follow up w/ brief screening call- https://forms.gle/NxS8fJVWAJueKNPz5
We have groups for young adults both in person and virtually.
I have a great deal of experience working with teens and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
We have groups for young adults both in person and virtually.
See more therapy options for Charlottesville
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.