"Neurospicy" Support Group
An interpersonal process and support group for those who identify as neurodivergent and those exploring their own neurodiversity. This group is inclusive to all gender, racial, and sexual identities. 18+
Hosted by Nicky Zimniak
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Group meets in Chicago, IL 60602
An interpersonal process and support group for those who identify as neurodivergent and those exploring their own neurodiversity. This group is inclusive to all gender, racial, and sexual identities. 18+
Children's Advocate Social Groups
Children's Advocate Social skills groups are small groups (typically two to ten participants) led by an adult who teaches & counsels the kids how to interact appropriately with others. They can also be useful in teaching kids to control their ...
Hosted by Children\'s Advocate LLC
BCBA, MA, LCSW
Verified Verified
Group meets in Chicago, IL 60655
Children's Advocate Social skills groups are small groups (typically two to ten participants) led by an adult who teaches & counsels the kids how to interact appropriately with others. They can also be useful in teaching kids to control their ...
Social Legends: Preteen Social/Emotional Group
Introducing "Social Legends," an exciting therapy group specifically developed for preteens, where the enchanting world of Dungeons and Dragons and Critical Core merges with the transformative power of therapy. In this engaging and supporting environment, kids in 6th-8th grade embark ...
Hosted by Adam Mills
Pre-Licensed Professional, PsyD
Verified Verified
Group meets in Chicago, IL 60657
Introducing "Social Legends," an exciting therapy group specifically developed for preteens, where the enchanting world of Dungeons and Dragons and Critical Core merges with the transformative power of therapy. In this engaging and supporting environment, kids in 6th-8th grade embark ...
Celebrating Neurodivergence Support Group
8-session (April 5-May 31, 2024) in-person Therapy Group now enrolling (thru 3/22/24). For adults (18+) who identify as neurodivergent and are looking for a safe & affirming space to build community and exist outside neurotypical norms. Members will increase self-understanding, ...
Hosted by IntraSpectrum Counseling
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Group meets in Chicago, IL 60601
8-session (April 5-May 31, 2024) in-person Therapy Group now enrolling (thru 3/22/24). For adults (18+) who identify as neurodivergent and are looking for a safe & affirming space to build community and exist outside neurotypical norms. Members will increase self-understanding, ...
Navigating the School System
Led by Ami Goetz, Licensed Professional Educator (PEL) -- Ami will be leading a class for families navigating the complexities of special education. Ami holds a Professional Educators License (PEL) and has experience working in the public education system that ...
Hosted by Ami Goetz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW, CTP, PEL
Verified Verified
Group meets in Chicago, IL 60657
Led by Ami Goetz, Licensed Professional Educator (PEL) -- Ami will be leading a class for families navigating the complexities of special education. Ami holds a Professional Educators License (PEL) and has experience working in the public education system that ...
Guiding Behavior Counseling
Our group is ideal for adults experiencing emotional unsteadiness, distressing thoughts, low self-esteem/worth, and challenging behaviors. We have expertise in areas such as ADHD, Autism, anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, relationship and communication concerns, and difficulty adjusting to transitions. We provides ...
Hosted by Ginny Nikiforos LCSW, ADHD Certified Provider
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, ADHD-CC
Verified Verified
Group meets in Chicago, IL 60618
Our group is ideal for adults experiencing emotional unsteadiness, distressing thoughts, low self-esteem/worth, and challenging behaviors. We have expertise in areas such as ADHD, Autism, anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, relationship and communication concerns, and difficulty adjusting to transitions. We provides ...
Autistic Adults Support Group
ABOUT THE THERAPIST Nahime Aguirre, MA, LSW will be hosting a virtual social support group for autistic adults throughout Illinois. After her own diagnosis as an autistic adult, Nahime has learned and applied research-based mental health supports for other autistic ...
Hosted by Astute Counseling & Wellness Services
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA(T), LCSW, CCATP, CCTP, CGCS
Verified Verified
Group meets in Chicago, IL 60657
ABOUT THE THERAPIST Nahime Aguirre, MA, LSW will be hosting a virtual social support group for autistic adults throughout Illinois. After her own diagnosis as an autistic adult, Nahime has learned and applied research-based mental health supports for other autistic ...
Neurodivergent Support and Process Group
This is a space for adults with ASD and/or ADHD (self diagnosed or otherwise) can come together and connect over the joys and struggles of being a neurodivergent adult in a world not built for us.
Hosted by Melissa Mooney
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Group meets in Chicago, IL 60660
This is a space for adults with ASD and/or ADHD (self diagnosed or otherwise) can come together and connect over the joys and struggles of being a neurodivergent adult in a world not built for us.
Neurodivergent DBT Skills
Hosted by Caitlin McQueen
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Group meets in Chicago, IL 60647
Guiding Behavior Coaching
Guiding Behavior Coaching provides professional ADHD coaching anywhere within the US! Guiding Behavior Coaching has experience supporting the unique executive functioning challenges and strengths for those diagnosed with ADHD and/or high functioning Autism. Our style is supportive, direct, and very ...
Hosted by Ginny Nikiforos LCSW, ADHD Certified Provider
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, ADHD-CC
Verified Verified
Group meets in Chicago, IL 60618
Guiding Behavior Coaching provides professional ADHD coaching anywhere within the US! Guiding Behavior Coaching has experience supporting the unique executive functioning challenges and strengths for those diagnosed with ADHD and/or high functioning Autism. Our style is supportive, direct, and very ...
Support group for neurodivergent, LGBTQ+ teens
We are currently looking to start a group for LGBTQIA+ teens that are neurodiverse. Preferred ages for the group are 16-19. The group will be neurodiversity-affirmativ e, and focus on providing social connections and support. Please reach out with questions ...
Hosted by Jennifer Palmer
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Group meets in Chicago, IL 60646
We are currently looking to start a group for LGBTQIA+ teens that are neurodiverse. Preferred ages for the group are 16-19. The group will be neurodiversity-affirmativ e, and focus on providing social connections and support. Please reach out with questions ...
Neurodivergent young adults
We have recently started a small group for neurodivergent young adults. Preferred ages for the group are 18-23. The group is neurodiversity-affirmativ e, and focuses on providing social connections and support. The group has rolling admission, and we are accepting ...
Hosted by Jennifer Palmer
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Group meets in Chicago, IL 60646
We have recently started a small group for neurodivergent young adults. Preferred ages for the group are 18-23. The group is neurodiversity-affirmativ e, and focuses on providing social connections and support. The group has rolling admission, and we are accepting ...
More Groups Nearby
"Neurospicy" Support Group
An interpersonal process and support group for those who identify as neurodivergent and those exploring their own neurodiversity. This group is inclusive to all gender, racial, and sexual identities. 18+
Hosted by Nicky Zimniak
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Group meets in Chicago, IL 60602
An interpersonal process and support group for those who identify as neurodivergent and those exploring their own neurodiversity. This group is inclusive to all gender, racial, and sexual identities. 18+
Children's Advocate Social Groups
Children's Advocate Social skills groups are small groups (typically two to ten participants) led by an adult who teaches & counsels the kids how to interact appropriately with others. They can also be useful in teaching kids to control their ...
Hosted by Children\'s Advocate LLC
BCBA, MA, LCSW
Verified Verified
Group meets in Chicago, IL 60655
Children's Advocate Social skills groups are small groups (typically two to ten participants) led by an adult who teaches & counsels the kids how to interact appropriately with others. They can also be useful in teaching kids to control their ...
Social Legends: Preteen Social/Emotional Group
Introducing "Social Legends," an exciting therapy group specifically developed for preteens, where the enchanting world of Dungeons and Dragons and Critical Core merges with the transformative power of therapy. In this engaging and supporting environment, kids in 6th-8th grade embark ...
Hosted by Adam Mills
Pre-Licensed Professional, PsyD
Verified Verified
Group meets in Chicago, IL 60657
Introducing "Social Legends," an exciting therapy group specifically developed for preteens, where the enchanting world of Dungeons and Dragons and Critical Core merges with the transformative power of therapy. In this engaging and supporting environment, kids in 6th-8th grade embark ...
Celebrating Neurodivergence Support Group
8-session (April 5-May 31, 2024) in-person Therapy Group now enrolling (thru 3/22/24). For adults (18+) who identify as neurodivergent and are looking for a safe & affirming space to build community and exist outside neurotypical norms. Members will increase self-understanding, ...
Hosted by IntraSpectrum Counseling
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Group meets in Chicago, IL 60601
8-session (April 5-May 31, 2024) in-person Therapy Group now enrolling (thru 3/22/24). For adults (18+) who identify as neurodivergent and are looking for a safe & affirming space to build community and exist outside neurotypical norms. Members will increase self-understanding, ...
Navigating the School System
Led by Ami Goetz, Licensed Professional Educator (PEL) -- Ami will be leading a class for families navigating the complexities of special education. Ami holds a Professional Educators License (PEL) and has experience working in the public education system that ...
Hosted by Ami Goetz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW, CTP, PEL
Verified Verified
Group meets in Chicago, IL 60657
Led by Ami Goetz, Licensed Professional Educator (PEL) -- Ami will be leading a class for families navigating the complexities of special education. Ami holds a Professional Educators License (PEL) and has experience working in the public education system that ...
Guiding Behavior Counseling
Our group is ideal for adults experiencing emotional unsteadiness, distressing thoughts, low self-esteem/worth, and challenging behaviors. We have expertise in areas such as ADHD, Autism, anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, relationship and communication concerns, and difficulty adjusting to transitions. We provides ...
Hosted by Ginny Nikiforos LCSW, ADHD Certified Provider
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, ADHD-CC
Verified Verified
Group meets in Chicago, IL 60618
Our group is ideal for adults experiencing emotional unsteadiness, distressing thoughts, low self-esteem/worth, and challenging behaviors. We have expertise in areas such as ADHD, Autism, anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, relationship and communication concerns, and difficulty adjusting to transitions. We provides ...
Autistic Adults Support Group
ABOUT THE THERAPIST Nahime Aguirre, MA, LSW will be hosting a virtual social support group for autistic adults throughout Illinois. After her own diagnosis as an autistic adult, Nahime has learned and applied research-based mental health supports for other autistic ...
Hosted by Astute Counseling & Wellness Services
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA(T), LCSW, CCATP, CCTP, CGCS
Verified Verified
Group meets in Chicago, IL 60657
ABOUT THE THERAPIST Nahime Aguirre, MA, LSW will be hosting a virtual social support group for autistic adults throughout Illinois. After her own diagnosis as an autistic adult, Nahime has learned and applied research-based mental health supports for other autistic ...
Neurodivergent Support and Process Group
This is a space for adults with ASD and/or ADHD (self diagnosed or otherwise) can come together and connect over the joys and struggles of being a neurodivergent adult in a world not built for us.
Hosted by Melissa Mooney
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Group meets in Chicago, IL 60660
This is a space for adults with ASD and/or ADHD (self diagnosed or otherwise) can come together and connect over the joys and struggles of being a neurodivergent adult in a world not built for us.
See more therapy options for Chicago
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.