Movement therapy groups for children that celebrates neurodiversity in a sensory-friendly therapeutic environment. Chestnut Hill, PA. Now registering for fall 2022 www.thechillverse.co/therapy
Hosted by Daniella E Brown
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, R-DMT, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Group meets in Philadelphia, PA 19118
My focus of interest is to become a therapeutic container to support the exploration of the mind-body connection within children and teens. I believe that the body carries valuable information about ourselves and our minds are actively trying to interpret it. I specialize in children who seek to improve their body awareness which provides coping skills for self-regulation, positive self-talk and overall physical/mental wellness. I have experience working with children with autism, adopted families, neurodivergent movers and people simply want a better connection with their bodies
Information and Support Group-- Too often parents feel that they are outsiders to a very technical, specialized, and foreign world. This is comprised of specialists, procedures and interventions that do not always value their child or their role as parents. This group is a place to learn helpful information, gain skills, meet other parents, and build community. We hope you join us no matter what the disability, neurodiversity, or suspected diagnosis. You are not alone in these challenges. Connect and share your stories with other families.
Hosted by Kelly Pohlig
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS, NCC
Verified Verified
Group meets in Philadelphia, PA 19103
Hey there! It can be highly challenging it can be to reach out for help; you are taking the best step in seeking a partner for personal healing. I will work with you to create positive changes in your life, resolve conflicts, and towards the goals you desire. As a counselor, I work with individuals coping with various concerns related to neurodiversity, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, PTSD/ complex trauma, caregiver concerns, relationship issues, parenting struggles, communication skills, and general life dissatisfaction.
Social Skills Superstars is a 6-week-long class for children ages 8-11. Classes are filled with engaging activities, role-playing, and interactive games to make learning social skills enjoyable. We understand the importance of strong social skills in a child's development. Our group provides a supportive and engaging environment where kids can learn and practice essential social skills while having fun! Email today to learn more information for our in-person and Virtual Group!
Hosted by Sarah Burnette
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS, NCC
Verified Verified
Group meets in Philadelphia, PA 19128
I'm Sarah and I specialize in working with neurodivergent toddlers, children and teens. My clients are often described as "quirky" and have interests that don't align with their peers. This makes it difficult for them to connect and make friends, even though they really want to. My clients also face challenges like communicating with their parents, tantrums/emotional outbursts, and emotional regulation. I help clients by giving them a space to talk, showing acceptance, and teaching them coping and social skills they can use to make the friendships they've always wanted.
Rolling with Resilience is a Table Top Role Playing therapeutic group, based on the concepts of Dungeons and Dragons. The group will be held in person in our Center City, Philadelphia office and is for children ages 9 through 12. Therapeutic benefits include increased self-concept, improved problem solving and frustration tolerance skills, enhanced sense of social confidence, and so much fun!
Hosted by Child & Parent Therapy at All of You Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Group meets in Philadelphia, PA 19102
The phone rings- your heart skips a beat. It's your child's school again. Your kid hit another kid, refused to do their work, or didn't answer when the teacher asked them a question. You are desperate to not have this be another game of "let's see how long Jonny can last at school". It feels like your kid is constantly put on a Performance Improvement Plan (who knew those started so young?!) You've tried to talk to your child about "using gentle hands" "speak up when you need something" or "ask to take a break". While it seems that your kid hears the message, something gets lost in transition when they are back at school.
Social Skills Superstars is a 6-week-long group meeting on Sunday mornings in person in our Roxborough location. Our sessions are filled with engaging activities, role-playing, and interactive games to make learning social skills enjoyable. We understand the importance of strong social skills in a child's development. Our group provides a supportive and engaging environment where kids can learn and practice essential social skills while having fun!
Hosted by Kim Wheeler Poitevien
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Group meets in Philadelphia, PA 19128
It's hard navigating what’s happening in the world. You want the best possible education and experiences for your child, and that could mean putting them in situations that expose them to racism and classism early on. Being the only or one of few is hard! The reality is that this can be confusing for your child and they often lack the tools to handle these situations. The impact on their day to day images of themselves is massive. Their once bright eyes are a little dimmer. Their trust in peers and adults lessens. Your once confident child or teen is now self-conscious, anxious, and struggles to meet unfair standards.
"Come As You Are," a nurturing and inclusive support group designed specifically for neurodivergent individuals within the LGBTQ+ community, where we provide a safe and affirming space to connect, share, and grow alongside others who understand and celebrate the beautiful tapestry of neurodiversity and sexual/gender identities. Our group embraces a holistic approach to mental health, recognizing that each member brings their own experiences, strengths, and challenges to the table. oin us in this journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and connection—because here, you are celebrated for exactly who you are. No masking required!
Hosted by Better Minds Counseling & Services
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CCATP
Verified Verified
Group meets in Philadelphia, PA 19102
Do you struggle with feeling disconnected from yourself and others? Do you often put your needs at the bottom of your to-do list? Do you wonder if life should feel somehow better or happier? Now, more than ever, people are feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and uncertain about how to manage their relationships, careers, and lives. Ignoring your needs and not taking time for yourself can lead to long-term issues for both your mind and body. We believe it shouldn’t be so hard to live a better life.
More Groups Nearby
This group for parents of children on the autistic spectrum can help you to explore the impact of your child's symptoms on your life and your other relationships.
This group can help you:
Learn to cope with everyday challenges,
prioritize conflicting emotions and needs, and
learn and practice self-care with strategies such as relaxation, stress management and mindfulness meditation.
Hosted by Sonia Voynow
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Group meets in Narberth, PA 19072
As the parent of a child with autism, I have developed tools to help special needs parents not only survive, but thrive.
Psychotherapy helps you see yourself, and your world, in a new way. I am passionate about helping my clients to discover what make them feel truly alive, and I view my role as helping clients to identify the ideas or relationships that stifle that power. My style is compassionate and interactive, fully appreciating the courage it takes to engage in psychotherapy, while helping you make room for new possibilities to unfold. I look forward to working with you!
Parenting your young child with autism can be overwhelming and stressful. During this workshop, share experiences with other parents and discover new ways to find more balance in your daily life. Each session offers a unique point of focus and mindfulness techniques to help you cope with daily challenges.
Hosted by Sonia Voynow
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Group meets in Jenkintown, PA 19046
As the parent of a child with autism, I have developed tools to help special needs parents not only survive, but thrive.
Psychotherapy helps you see yourself, and your world, in a new way. I am passionate about helping my clients to discover what make them feel truly alive, and I view my role as helping clients to identify the ideas or relationships that stifle that power. My style is compassionate and interactive, fully appreciating the courage it takes to engage in psychotherapy, while helping you make room for new possibilities to unfold. I look forward to working with you!
We offer fun activities groups for neurodiverse adults (18+). JCHAI offers a monthly calendar of fun classes, dinners and weekend trips with social worker/teaching coach support to develop social, independence & employment skills for making and keeping good relationships. Click "Member Calendar" at this link for flyers: www.jchai.org/events We also offer community-based, 1:1 coaching for independenceand job-related skill building, and customized friendship groups for our JCHAI members. Contact Dr. Beth Rosenwasser to learn more: BethRosenwasser@jchai.org or visit www.jchai.org
Hosted by Beth Rosenwasser
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, BCBA-D
Verified Verified
Group meets in Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
I look forward to meeting! Please scroll down for JCHAI programming in greater Philly for adults w/ autism &/or intellectual disabilities.
Reaching out is the 1st step toward feeling relief and achieving personal, family or professional goals. Therapy offers private time with support to take a fresh look at your situation and evaluate options. I bring to the room more than 20 years of experience in clinical practice, as well as designing and directing treatment programs, training therapists, and publishing in the field. People I work with tell me I am easy to talk to, warm and non-judgmental. They appreciate my ability to 'keep it real,' helping develop practical solutions in 3 - 12 sessions, or in longer-term therapy.
The Art of Friendship/Camp Pegasus is the Philadelphia area's leading social skills program, having supported thousands of children since 2000. We teach Theory-of-Mind, perspective-taking, reading social cues, & the hidden rules of socialization. The group works on critical interaction skills such as assertiveness, flexibility, & compromise, and reciprocal play & conversation skills. Small groups meet weekly for an hour, providing best-practice social skills training: direct instruction in Mike Fogel's original Art of Friendship social skills curriculum, role-play, structured social practice activities with reinforcement of positive behaviors, and compassionate social coaching for miscues, conflicts, & big feelings.
Hosted by Child and Family Art Therapy Center
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, ATR-BC, LPC
Verified Verified
Group meets in Haverford, PA 19041
We are child-adolescent art & play therapy specialists who help clients ages 3-22 develop powerful coping skills to overcome challenges to succeed at home, school, & in relationships! Parents who engage us in therapy seek an effective therapist with whom their child will feel supremely comfortable & not resist. You found us! We KNOW how children think, & our waiting rooms, offices, & approaches are designed to help children & teens enjoy therapy. We treat a range of emotional-behavioral challenges & have a sub-specialty in social skills groups for neurodiverse children. Located in Haverford, Paoli, Blue Bell, & Center City.
The Art of Friendship/Camp Pegasus is the Philadelphia area's leading social skills program, having supported thousands of children since 2000. We teach Theory-of-Mind, perspective-taking, reading social cues, & the hidden rules of socialization. The group works on critical interaction skills such as assertiveness, flexibility, & compromise, and reciprocal play & conversation skills. Small groups meet weekly for an hour, providing best-practice social skills training: direct instruction in Mike Fogel's original Art of Friendship social skills curriculum, role-play, structured social practice activities with reinforcement of positive behaviors, and compassionate social coaching for miscues, conflicts, & big feelings.
Hosted by Mike Fogel
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, ATR-BC, LPC
Verified Verified
Group meets in Haverford, PA 19041
I am an art & play therapist & child-adolescent specialist who helps children and parents develop powerful coping skills to overcome challenges & succeed at home, school, & in relationships. Parents who engage me in therapy are looking for an effective therapist with whom their child will feel supremely comfortable & not resist. I know how children think & my waiting rooms, offices, & every move I make is designed to help children & teens enjoy therapy. I treat a range of emotional-behavioral challenges & have a sub-specialty in social skills groups for neurodiverse children. Located in Haverford, Paoli, Blue Bell, & Center City.
Join our Social Skills Group for 8 sessions of designed specifically for neurodivergent adolescents. This supportive and inclusive community fosters a safe space to learn and practice social skills in a structured and fun environment. Our evidence-based curriculum is tailored to address the unique needs and strengths of each individual, helping them build self-confidence and enhance their interpersonal relationships. Don't miss out on the opportunity to develop essential life skills and make meaningful connections with peers who share similar experiences.
Hosted by Angela Pote
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC , ADHD-CS, PhD (s)
Verified Verified
Group meets in Norwood, PA 19074
Whether you are struggling from trauma, anxiety, depression, seeking an ADHD diagnosis, or interpersonal relationships, it is easy at times to lose sight of who you are and not have the ability to find yourself. Angela’s approach to therapy is trauma-informed where she always prioritizes your emotional safety during therapy. Offering gentle guidance to aid you while working within the therapeutic relationship that will help you reach your goals. Angela focuses on helping her clients develop a life that is balanced concentrating on mental, physical, spiritual, social, and emotional wellness.
See more therapy options for Philadelphia
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.