New group starting soon! Being neurodiverse, you may often feel misunderstood. It can be hard to make friends and navigate relationships because social situations often make you feel anxious, and it can be hard to read social cues. People might misinterpret things you say or do, and judge you negatively. You might try to fit in but are socially rejected at times. This may lead you to feel alone and isolated. This group will help you develop skills you can use to cope with stress and anxiety, relationships, sensory overload, gaining confidence and self acceptance. Meets online one hour week for 9 sessions.
Hosted by Leila Ostad
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MBS
Verified Verified
Group meets in Ridgewood, NJ 07450
Diagnostic evaluations and testing for ADHD and Autism, psychotherapy, coaching, and support groups are offered virtually and in person.
As a specialist in supporting adults and teens with High-Functioning Autism, ADHD/ADD, and emotional regulation challenges, I believe in a collaborative approach that honors your unique experiences and strengths. From in-depth diagnostic evaluation and testing of ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder to individual therapy and supportive groups, I offer a wide range of options to help you manage frustrations, explore emotions, and build the skills you need for a calmer mind, healthier relationships, and a life on your terms.
More Groups Nearby
An in-person group for young adults ages 18-24 who are ready to make meaningful social connections without fear of judgement or rejection.
Hosted by Gabrielle Moskovitz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Group meets in Teaneck, NJ 07666
Are you struggling with maternal health stressors: infertility, pregnancy loss, postpartum anxiety or depression, or motherhood stress? Do you feel stuck and want to achieve life changes? Unfortunately, nowadays, it is all too common to feel lost, overwhelmed, or anxious. Each client deserves an individualized approach to therapy based on your needs.
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.
Hosted by Saadia Parvez, MPS, LPAT
Art Therapist, MPS, LPAT
Verified Verified
Group meets in River Edge, NJ 07661
Welcome to the beginning of therapy. You have made an important choice for yourself—starting the process of exploring what brings you distress and wanting relief. Together, with your therapist, you will have a private space to wonder out loud and make connections between your past, present and important relationships. If this is your first time in therapy, then this beginning may bring up a lot of questions. If you are coming back to therapy remind yourself what worked for you. Each person is unique with their presenting problem and their story. You are the expert on your situation and you can find the right help for you.
See more therapy options for Ridgewood
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.