Social Skills
This is a social skills therapy group for individuals with high-functioning Autism and other neurodiverse conditions. Currently three groups are offered - Intermediate (Middle/High School age), Senior (High School/Transitional Age), and Young Adults. Groups are held at 5, 6, and ...
Hosted by Beth Drennen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Group meets in Rockford, IL 61108
This is a social skills therapy group for individuals with high-functioning Autism and other neurodiverse conditions. Currently three groups are offered - Intermediate (Middle/High School age), Senior (High School/Transitional Age), and Young Adults. Groups are held at 5, 6, and ...
Psychotherapeutic Social and Life Skills Groups
Pro-social skills and symptom management strategies are taught and practiced through a variety of psychotherapeutic groups. These groups include: Little Ones Group, Boy's Club, Girl's Club, Preteen Group, Teen Group, and Life Skills Groups. Please note that times and dates ...
Hosted by Judy Kafka Tisdall
Counselor, PsyD, LCPC
Verified Verified
Group meets in Schaumburg, IL 60173
Pro-social skills and symptom management strategies are taught and practiced through a variety of psychotherapeutic groups. These groups include: Little Ones Group, Boy's Club, Girl's Club, Preteen Group, Teen Group, and Life Skills Groups. Please note that times and dates ...
Social Skills 101
Join us: January 27th, 2024 at Your Story Counseling. Calling all elementary school kids to join us to expand our knowledge on socializing with others. This group was developed for students to learn new skills and build new friendships. We ...
Hosted by Karina Ramos
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, PEL, LSW
Verified Verified
Group meets in Lisle, IL 60532
Join us: January 27th, 2024 at Your Story Counseling. Calling all elementary school kids to join us to expand our knowledge on socializing with others. This group was developed for students to learn new skills and build new friendships. We ...
Have Dreams
Have Dreams is an autism service provider, supporting children, teens, and adults on the spectrum. Clinical services are offered via telehealth and in-person at our Evanston and Park Ridge, IL locations.
Have Dreams is an autism service provider, supporting children, teens, and adults on the spectrum. Clinical services are offered via telehealth and in-person at our Evanston and Park Ridge, IL locations.
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 ...
Psychotherapeutic Social and Life Skills Groups
Pro-social skills and symptom management strategies are taught and practiced through a variety of psychotherapeutic groups. These groups include: Little Ones Group, Boy's Club, Girl's Club, Preteen Group, Teen Group, and Life Skills Groups. Please note that times and dates ...
Hosted by Advanced Behavioral Solutions, LLC
Counselor
Verified Verified
Group meets in Schaumburg, IL 60173
Pro-social skills and symptom management strategies are taught and practiced through a variety of psychotherapeutic groups. These groups include: Little Ones Group, Boy's Club, Girl's Club, Preteen Group, Teen Group, and Life Skills Groups. Please note that times and dates ...
SociAbility Chicago
At SociAbility, our mission is to help children, young adults, and adults gain necessary life-long social skills to succeed in school, adulthood and beyond.
Hosted by Genevieve Thornton
Psychologist, PSY D
Verified Verified
Group meets in Northbrook, IL 60062
At SociAbility, our mission is to help children, young adults, and adults gain necessary life-long social skills to succeed in school, adulthood and beyond.
North Shore Pediatric Therapy
Hosted by North Shore Pediatric Therapy
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Group meets in Des Plaines, IL 60016
Boy's Social Group
This group is for 10-13 year old neurodivergent, male-identifying clients. We focus on creating a friendly hang-out envrionment where ND kids can work on their social skills in a relaxed envrionment.
Hosted by Uniquely You Behavioral Health
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
Group meets in New Lenox, IL 60451
This group is for 10-13 year old neurodivergent, male-identifying clients. We focus on creating a friendly hang-out envrionment where ND kids can work on their social skills in a relaxed envrionment.
Neurodiversity-Affirming Parenting Group
This group provides basic education on topics of concern and helps parents design specific strategies to address the individualized concerns that group members bring to each session. You will walk away with an increased awareness and understanding of neurodiversity and ...
Hosted by Brandon Tessers
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Group meets in Northbrook, IL 60062
This group provides basic education on topics of concern and helps parents design specific strategies to address the individualized concerns that group members bring to each session. You will walk away with an increased awareness and understanding of neurodiversity and ...
"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+
"Who Am I"
This group helps young adults on the Autism Spectrum understand who they are and how they fit into the world around them. Participants are taught personal and social skills to enhance their ability to take care of themselves. Sessions also ...
Hosted by Partners For Inner Healing
Counselor, MS, LCPC, NCC, CCJTS
Verified Verified
Group meets in Rockford, IL 61108
This group helps young adults on the Autism Spectrum understand who they are and how they fit into the world around them. Participants are taught personal and social skills to enhance their ability to take care of themselves. Sessions also ...
Anxiety
Helping others learn skills to reduce anxiety.
Hosted by Susan Ryan-Michalak
Counselor, MA, LCPC, NCC, LBSI
Verified Verified
Group meets in Orland Park, IL 60462
Helping others learn skills to reduce anxiety.
Social Skills Group
We provide social skills training groups for children and adolescents using research based methods. We focus on real life experiences with peers that are facilitated by a trained therapist. These groups are helpful for children with anxiety, depression, ADHD and ...
Hosted by Paula Sejut-Dvorak
Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
Group meets in Plainfield, IL 60544
We provide social skills training groups for children and adolescents using research based methods. We focus on real life experiences with peers that are facilitated by a trained therapist. These groups are helpful for children with anxiety, depression, ADHD and ...
Play Group
Play group is for toddlers ages 3-7 years old who are displaying difficulties with social/emotional play skills. It is a chance for children to come together to develop these crucial skills early in life. Group members will learn social thinking ...
Hosted by Cecily A. Kanter
Psychologist, PsyD, MS
Verified Verified
Group meets in Palatine, IL 60074
Play group is for toddlers ages 3-7 years old who are displaying difficulties with social/emotional play skills. It is a chance for children to come together to develop these crucial skills early in life. Group members will learn social thinking ...
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 ...
Gaining Independence
Dr. Emily Ballard, OTD, OTR/L will use gross motor to improve and maintain participants' physical abilities, such as balance, coordination, endurance, and muscle strength, through fun and engaging activities. The group will develop fundamental motor skills and confidence to enhance ...
Hosted by Uniquely You Behavioral Health
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
Group meets in New Lenox, IL 60451
Dr. Emily Ballard, OTD, OTR/L will use gross motor to improve and maintain participants' physical abilities, such as balance, coordination, endurance, and muscle strength, through fun and engaging activities. The group will develop fundamental motor skills and confidence to enhance ...
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 ...
Behavioral Learning LLC
At Behavioral Learning, we are committed to creating a safe and collaborative environment in order to empower growth and foster individualized behavior change. We offer online telehealth counseling to individuals and families, in addition to in-person day program support at ...
Hosted by Alison Beauvais Carris
Counselor, MA, BCBA, LCPC
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oak Park, IL 60302
At Behavioral Learning, we are committed to creating a safe and collaborative environment in order to empower growth and foster individualized behavior change. We offer online telehealth counseling to individuals and families, in addition to in-person day program support at ...
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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.