The Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS®) is an evidence-based social skills intervention originally developed at UCLA by Dr. Elizabeth Laugeson and Dr. Fred Frankel in 2005 and is now used in locations across the US and internationally. PEERS® is an evidenced based program, showing benefit for individuals on the Autism spectrum, but is also appropriate for individuals with ADHD, Anxiety, and Depression. We offer PEERS® for 12 weeks. It is a 90 min group and has both parent and teen involvement. We will be starting our next group June 2023!
Hosted by Sara Walpole - Tesserae Family Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in San Diego, CA 92127
I also have extensive experience working with individuals with Autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders.
What I love about my work is encouraging and empowering children, teens and families. This is why Francesca Riddell and I started Tesserae Family Therapy. Families come to us for support with depression, anxiety, difficult behaviors as well as learning how to make and keep friends through the PEERS program. Our goal is to help families, adolescents, children and young adults learn concrete skills to help better manage emotions, behaviors and have more positive social interactions. We will provide the support and guidance to assist you in meeting your goals.
Are you a working professional with autistic traits, and you struggle with social interactions? Are you wanting to improve communication skills at work, make friends, reduce stress, and learn about yourself? Then this is the group for you. The group will provide helpful strategies and an opportunity to get to know other neurodiverse individuals like yourself, who understand your challenges and support you! The group is 20 weeks long, and meets weekly for 1 hour and 30 mins. Group Forming! Contact us today to schedule an intake and reserve your spot in the group!
We specialize in providing strategies for teens and adults who are on the autism spectrum or neurodiverse to effectively deal with a variety of problems that face them in adulthood.
Do you or someone you love have difficulty reading social cues, feel anxious about social interactions, and struggle with making friends and setting goals? Do you feel alone and misunderstood? Do you have autism traits that are not always apparent? We offer group therapy and social skills groups, along with individual counseling, for you and your family. By joining one of our groups, you’ll feel understood, accepted and encouraged by the other group members who have shared experiences and challenges. The expert-led group will help you gain the strategies, knowledge, and confidence to more effectively handle these problems.
Our team of Educational Psychologists, a Clinical Psychologist, Marriage Family Therapists and Licensed Clinical Social Workers offer assessment and therapy for children, teens, and adults Monday through Saturday. Our offices are located in a house that has been converted to therapy offices in Newhall that provide an additional level of comfort and security for our clients. We have space for rent; currently full day Friday and Saturday. More space will be available in July. Full day rent only. Looking for Clinical Psychologist, MFT, LCSW, Special Education Teacher, OT, Speech and Language Therapist. Call Laurie Adachi
I offer counseling to individuals of all ages related to school, college, and work /career. I am passionate about providing problem solving and emotionaI support for those in the field of education, including teachers, administrators, and support staff that are experiencing stress in their job. I also provide comprehensive psychoeducational and school neuropsychological assessments for individuals of all ages to identify learning needs, ADHD, Dyslexia, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury, etc.
We're a group of therapists who have come together to treat the neurodiverse community with respect, develop a robust set of tools to help neurodiverse couples, approach neurodiverse healing from a strength-based approach. We understand that the trauma of past misunderstanding needs to be healed in a gentle way, share best practices for neurodiverse therapy amongst the team so we can offer you a beneficial experience, and offer integrated therapy where the couple and both individuals can each get their own counselor; yet, the therapy itself is synchronized to move to the same goals. Website: https://rebrand.ly/NCCC-
Hosted by Barbara (Blaze) Lazarony
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, CHT, CTC, CNSC
Verified Verified
Group meets in San Jose, CA 95124
Are you feeling overwhelmed in your neurodiverse relationship? Are you struggling to communicate effectively and fearing things might be slipping away? You're not alone. Many couples face these exact challenges, but there is hope. I specialize in counseling Neurodiverse couples and individuals, including those with Autism, ADHD, and Complex Trauma. With my extensive experience developing tailored communication strategies, I can help you and your partner create a more meaningful and positive connection, while holding a loving and supportive space.
Are you seeking a safe space to share, connect, and grow with others who understand? Join our supportive community of adults with autism for our weekly virtual therapy support group facilitated by an experienced therapist specializing in neurodiverse experiences. Our group offers a nurturing environment where you can discuss challenges and triumphs in a non-judgmental setting, learn strategies to navigate daily life and relationships, and connect with peers who understand your unique perspective. For more information or to reserve your spot, please contact us and take the first step toward a more connected and empowered future.
Hosted by Mullenix Counseling Services
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Riverside, CA 92501
Hello, I'm Dennis Mullenix, an LMFT with a heartfelt dedication to supporting those with Autism and ADHD as well as their families. With over 14 years of experience in the field, I bring a unique perspective as both an adult with late diagnosed AuDHD and as a father of a child who also lives with AuDHD. I deeply understand the challenges and strengths associated with these conditions. I specialize in helping those facing the complexities of Autism, ADHD and AuDHD. Whether you're navigating communication barriers, relationship dynamics, workplace challenges, or personal growth goals, my approach is rooted in empathy.
Lego-Based Therapy is a social development program for children and teens with Autism and other children with social communication difficulties. It uses children's love of Lego, as well as their strengths and interests, to develop communication and social skills.
I have been in private practice in the San Diego area for over 25 years. I dedicate my practice to serve children with autism and their families. From early intervention for young children through psychotherapy and social skills training for elementary age children and teenagers, I provide state of the art treatments to meet specific, individual needs. I collaborate with families to determine and meet treatment goals.
This is a social skills group for people on the autism spectrum. The focus is on making and keeping friends, navigating dating, handling negative social interactions, and learning how to use humor, electronic communication, and conversation to connect and build relationships. Group starts Monday May 13th.
Hosted by City of Trees Assessment and Therapy
Psychologist
Verified Verified
Group meets in Sacramento, CA 95825
City of Trees also offers individual therapy for people with Autism or Intellectual Disability, however, our therapists are currently full.
City of Trees offers psychological assessment for children and teens. We offer comprehensive assessments for ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Intellectual Disability. We also offer developmental assessments for children ages 2-5.
Psychology 360 is a private psychology practice specializing in psychological and psychoeducational evaluations. These evaluations can assist with clarifying diagnosis and determining the best supports, interventions and treatments. The team at Psychology 360 offers dependable support and guidance throughout the entire evaluation process. Contact Psychology 360 today for a brief phone consultation to determine if our services fit your needs.
Dr. Donica Dohrenwend, PhD and her team at Psychology 360, specialize in assessments and evaluations to help clarify diagnoses and identify the best supports and interventions for children, adolescents, and adults. Evaluations can assist with diagnosing ADHD, Learning Disorders (Dyslexia/Dyscalculia), Autism Spectrum Disorder, Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders etc). Psychology 360 also offers brief individual therapy, parent consultation, medication management and brain scans.
social skills for kids and teens on the autistic spectrum
Hosted by Gary Michael Larkin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MS, MFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Encino, CA 91436
I specialize in working with children with disabilities and their families, Autism, Tourette Syndrome, OCD, ADHD, learning and behavior disorders, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, addiction,adoption issues, Men's Issues, infertility, victims and perpetrators of crime and abuse, individuals, couples, families, and groups, and those with depression related to careers in Show Business.
I have been licensed for 18 years, and have worked with various populations. I am a client-centered behaviorist; meaning I help people change behaviors by presenting them with coping strategies and communication skills to help deal with life on life's terms. I use my experience, as well as professional life as a special education teacher for the last 22 years, a 48 year marriage, and 35 years of a personal 12-Step Program to guide my theoretical orientation to help change distorted thinking into positive choices. I listen with empathy, and offer suggestions for hope and change. .
Autism rates have soared from 1:10,000 to 1:150 presently! This group offers support to parents who are struggling with the diagnosis of autism, finding resources and coping with this disorder. It is structured in a way that parents can share accomplishments, struggles, and feelings. We also share some of the funny things children with autism sometimes do. A bit of humor allows some of the distress to be released. I facilitate this group as a therapist and also as a parent of a son with autism.
Hosted by Leslie Barton
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Santa Maria, CA 93454
I have interests in reproductive technology and autism.
"I believe that each person has unlimited potential within themself! It is my role to assist a person in finding the answers to the dilemnas' they may be facing. Often someone is experiencing a high level of stress through a current life circumstance that brings up feelings or grief from the past. When this happens, part of the therapy process is to deal with the "unfinished business" to access more energy to bring to the present. As a Marriage and Family therapist, I focus on relationship issues including patterns of communication that can improve to develop more satisfying relationships too.
Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS®) is a 16-week evidence-based social skills intervention for motivated adolescents in middle school or high school who are interested in learning ways to help them make and keep friends. During each group session adolescents are taught important social skills and are given the opportunity to practice these skills in session during socialization activities (e.g. playing sports, board games, etc.). Parents are taught how to assist their teens in making and keeping friends by providing feedback through coaching during weekly socialization homework assignments.
I love helping teenagers and young adults with Autism/Asperger's navigate the social world around them by teaching skills to make and keep friends. I am also good at helping them deal with anxiety, depression and controlling their behaviors. I understand traditional talk therapy is not very effective for those on the spectrum so I modify the treatment by using different methods to increase understanding and learning. I believe in working with family members that care for the individual on the spectrum so I welcome you to join us in learning how to be the best form of support.
Through an interview process and personality assessments children and adolescents are grouped with similar interests, areas of need, and skill deficits to create small 5-7 groups for anger management, children with autism, low self-esteem, and impulsivity in a controlled setting or through telehealth sessions. The adult groups are centered around co-parenting issues, divorce, low self-esteem, co-dependency, and other adult-relational issues.
Hosted by Rashella Avalos-Senteno
Psychologist, MA, LEP
Verified Verified
Group meets in Visalia, CA 93291
We at Applied Life Dynamics offer adult and child psychotherapy, psycho-educational/ psychological assessments, career assessment, social skill development for children to young adult with Autism or have other social skills or emotional deficits.
My desire is to work with you in developing the skills and tools necessary to navigate through the struggles you may face on the job, parenting children with or without disabilities, relationships, daily stressors, and helping children to learn the skills needed so they can thrive and develop at their highest potential. It first starts with self-growth, development, and to apply the life skills that are right for you. I am here to guide, council, coach, instruct, and provide assessment in the areas needed to assist in providing you with as much information and support needed to live a more peaceful life with better relationships.
Hosted by Jenny J Lee
Marriage & Family Therapist, EdD, LMFT, BCBA
Verified Verified
Group meets in Danville, CA 94526
Group members get to check in and discuss current life events. Group members provide support for one another while learning tools to address daily stressors. The group provides a positive space that validates each members unique experience, while also normalizing the shared ASD struggles. It creates camaraderie between members by engaging them in various games and activities. This group is facilitated by a licensed clinical psychologist with many years of experience working with the ASD population. If you or someone you know is interested in joining this group, please call our office for more information.
Hosted by Toribio Psychological Services
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Group meets in Fresno, CA 93722
PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTING AND EVALUATION: Conducting psychological assessments for Neurodevelopmental (e.g., Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Intellectual and Learning Disabilities), Mood, and Impulse-Control Disorders in children, teens, and adults. We also offer evaluations for gender confirming surgeries, adoptions, and others. We welcome referrals from third party payers for Independent Education Evaluations and some court mandated assessments.
Our mission is to provide top quality evidence based mental health services specializing in individuals with Autism Spectrum, ADHD, developmental and learning disabilities and their families. Our vision is to help individuals experience neurodiversity as a difference, not a deficit, and to feel independent, confident and competent in their lives. We work with children, adults and families to alleviate struggles and support mental health needs. We assess the underlying root cause of these struggles to determine how to build skills in the child, adult and family. We build skills that will help children, adults, and families in the long term.
Hosted by Connections Family and Behavioral Services
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Salinas, CA 93901
At Connections Family and Behavioral Services work with individuals with ADHD, Autism Spectrum, behavioral, learning, and developmental diagnoses.
Does the world seem chaotic and to not make sense? Does it seem like you should be able to do more, but just can’t? Does it seem like there are rules to life everyone else knows? Does it seem like when things go wrong, it’s your fault, but you don’t know why? Are you exhausted from ‘playing the role' of yourself in your life, trying to ‘do it right'? All families want peace, all individuals want greater ease and understanding in their lives. With over 25 years of providing services to exceptional individuals, I know the importance of having the right support for the need at hand.
An affirming group for neurodivergent (autistic or ADHD) adults to find support and build community among like-minded peers. This group includes aspects of a traditional process group, with added emphasis on creating and sustaining relationships and finding support. Additionally, this group integrates art therapy, crafting and other activities to help foster connection.
Hosted by Amaya Tueller ADHD and Autism Therapist
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in San Diego, CA 92102
I stand against ABA and other "treatments" for autism.
Welcome to my page! I work primarily with neurodivergent ( autism, ADHD, PDA) clients and mixed neurotype couples/polycules . As a queer, and late diagnosed neurodivergent therapist, I love helping others to understand themselves better and advocate for their needs. Receiving my own diagnosis in adulthood came with grief and I’d love opportunity to help you work through the complicated emotions inherent in this type of identity exploration. Working with my brain instead of against it as been incredibly healing and has drastically improved my mental health; I hope to help my clients achieve the same freedom.
A therapeutic program for high functioning children and middle school students on the Autism Spectrum and their parents. The program focuses on the child's social communication, play with peers, emotions, pragmatic language and sensory issues. The themes vary on the clients, meeting new friends, bullying, empathy, moving from areas of self interest to group interests.The parents group provides professional guidance and peer resources and support.
Hosted by Laurie J. Leventhal-Belfer
Psychologist, PhD, MA
Verified Verified
Group meets in Palo Alto, CA 94306
I also have run for the past 20 years a therapeutic program for high functioning preschool, school age and middle school students on the Autism Spectrum and their parents.
My ideal client is a child or adolescent who is aware of the issues that are bothering them and want help. These are clients whose parents are comfortable with them seeing a therapist and are able to speak openly with them about their diagnoses. When I am asked how long I see a client, I do not give a definite time since I have learned that issues are challenged as they make the transition to new schools or jobs. I let parents know that I take a developmental approach to psychopathology. We may stop when symptoms decrease and their coping capacity increases. If they return it is not a sign of failure but different stresses.
This is a social skills group for people on the autism spectrum. The focus is on making and keeping friends, navigating dating, handling negative social interactions, and learning how to use humor, electronic communication, and conversation to connect and build relationships. Group starts Monday May 13th.
Hosted by Noe Dueñas
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS, APCC, CMHC
Verified Verified
Group meets in Sacramento, CA 95825
We know that it can be extremely challenging to find a clinician that is knowledgeable in both autism and mental health and we seek to fill that gap.
Noe is a queer, Latinx, neuro diverse, disability specialist and mental health therapist that focuses his treatment on working with individuals with autism and/or developmental disabilities. Clients of Noe typically have a hard time connecting to other therapist, have behavioral outbursts at home and/or school/work, strained relationships with others, can’t find a knowledgeable therapist in autism and or developmental disabilities, problems with regulating emotions and difficulty with coping with life's everyday stresses. Noe provides support with IEP's, IPP's, getting services, individual and group therapy and social skills groups.
Social Skills Training Program
Develop evidence-based skills to achieve social success!
About PEERS (Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills): this successful 14-week evidence-based program is designed for parents and motivated teenagers (7th-12th grade) who are interested in learning ways to help them make and keep friends.
· appropriate conversational skills
· find common interests
· appropriate use of humor
· enter and exit conversations
· handle rejection, teasing, and bullying
· handle rumors and gossip
· good sportsmanship
· choosing appropriate friends
· successful get-togethers
· handling arguments and disagreements
· changing a bad reputation
· follow "theory of mind" and perspective taking
Hosted by Alexander Gantman
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Group meets in Newport Beach, CA 92660
Dr. Alexander Gantman, received his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from UCLA; and he obtained Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology from Palo Alto University - Stanford University Medical School Psy.D Consortium in 2008. Until recently, when he decided to move into private practice, he was a Clinical Psychologist at the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, as well as an Assistant Director of the UCLA PEERS Program. Dr. Gantman was also an Autism Clinical Instructor at the UCLA Tarjan Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities.
Navigating school, family, and social interactions can be a struggle at times. This group is aimed and offering a supportive environment for a small group of girls to connect while processing situations they encounter, as well as learn and practice coping skills that will help them navigate the teen years.
Hosted by Rachael Ostrowski
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Campbell, CA 95008
Life is constantly presenting us with change. Just when we might feel like we know what the day will bring, there might be something around the corner that takes us by surprise; maybe even something that has been there that we didn't even notice before! With change, comes thoughts and feelings we might not be ready to have, such anxiety, sadness, and fear. Coping with these changes can be difficult at times and we might need a little support. One of these unexpected events might be the diagnosis of a developmental delay, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder.
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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.