Therapeutic Group Programs
What does it mean to be part of a community?
It’s building meaningful and lasting relationships and having the self-confidence to authentically navigate daily life. Every one of us deserves the chance to be an active and valued part of our community in a way that works best for us. Our therapeutic group programs provide opportunities to develop positive self-identity, authentic relationships, and more in small group settings.
Groups are inclusive and age-matched. While designed and led by our therapists, our clubs are NOT individualized therapy. They provide a safe environment and activities designed to explore social interaction, with a knowledgable professional ensuring the safety of participants. When needed, we also assist participants in navigating conflicts in respectful ways. Our neuro-affirming group programs do NOT “teach” social skills. Rather, they provide opportunities to explore a variety of ways to interact with others while learning about boundaries, safety, and respect for differences. They provide an environment in which new friendships are created and our community is strengthened. Throughout the group sessions, our therapists also incorporate activities to facilitate development of fine motor, gross motor, regulation, and communication skills.
Join Groups at Any Time!
Groups are called “clubs” and feature rolling enrollment, with no set start/end dates. Pick the dates that work best for you, with no longterm commitment!
What you need to know:
- Registration deadline for each week is 48 hours before the group time.
- Payment will be collected at the time of registration. If you need to cancel, you will receive a full refund if canceling 48 hours before that session, but no refund if canceling with less than 48 hours’ notice. Alternatively, you are able to reschedule for a different date at no cost.
- If there are not enough participants to hold a group by the registration deadline, we will notify anyone who has signed up for that date and they will be able to select a different week at no cost.
- There is no limit to how many sessions your child may register for, as long as they still meet the age criteria for the group.
- In addition to groups for children, we have added a parent coaching group specifically designed to support parents of neurodivergent children.
We plan to add more groups to our schedule as time allows, and dependent on feedback from clients. Let us know if there is a group you’d like to see, or if you have questions about the club format. To share your feedback, contact us.
New: Kids Connect Series
We know firsthand how challenging it can be to make friends, especially when autistic or otherwise neurodivergent. We’ve created the Kids Connect Series to provide safe spaces for youth of all neurotypes to connect over shared interests. This creates built-in opportunities for positive conversation and social interaction. Each of these themed sessions is led by an occupational therapist, who will be there to provide support and to ensure that the social experience is as positive as possible for all participants. Each session limited to 5 participants.
We are open to adding additional themes to our Kids Connect Series – please feel free to contact us if there is a theme you’d like to see!
Cost of each session is $25.
Themes, Ages, and Dates:
Taylor Swift Party: For Swifties ages 10-14 years. Friday, May 17 – 6:30-7:30 pm. More details and registration here.
Additional themes coming soon! Feel free to reach out to let us know of your child’s interests as we plan our next round of Kids Connect groups!
Food Explorers
This group meets monthly and is specially designed for children who are hesitant with novel food. This group is led by an occupational therapist with advanced training in feeding challenges utilizing an affirming, responsive approach. Participants will explore new foods in a pressure-free, small group environment. Parents are welcome to join the session to learn how to present food in ways that decrease pressure and increase children’s confidence interacting with the novel food. Price includes cost of all food supplies. Please be sure to inform us of any allergies.
Additional sessions may be added according to interest.
Ages: 4-6 years old
Group size: 3 children.
Program day and time: First and Third Tuesdays of the month, 5-6 pm
Cost: $35 per session
Capability Club
This social opportunities group is designed specifically for ages 9-12 years. Using participant-led, unstructured activities, the program is designed to facilitate development in the areas of self-advocacy, emotional regulation, and meaningful social participation grounded in the neurodiversity paradigm. Emphasis will be on understanding a variety of communication styles. All are welcome; no diagnosis needed. Led by an autistic occupational therapist.
Ages: 9-12 years
Group Size: Up to 5 participants
Program days/times: Thursdays 5-6 pm
Cost: $25 per session
Neurodivergent Hangout
This social opportunities group is designed specifically for teens. Using participant-led, unstructured activities, the program is designed to facilitate development in the areas of self-advocacy, emotional regulation, and meaningful social participation grounded in the neurodiversity paradigm. Emphasis will be on understanding a variety of communication styles. No diagnosis needed, but group is designed for those who identify as neurodivergent. Led by an autistic occupational therapist.
Ages: 14-18 years
Group Size: Up to 5 participants
Program days/times: Monthly; Second Friday of the month at 6:30 pm
Cost: $25 per session
Parent Coaching Group
This one is for the grown-ups!
Wondering how you can best support your neurodivergent child?
This small group coaching program is designed specifically to support parents in applying affirming parenting strategies in the home. Limited to 5 participants and led by an autistic occupational therapist, each session will feature a Q & A component as well as planned topics based on questions submitted ahead of time. Example topics include developing regulation, managing conflicting sensory needs, navigating food selectivity, and more. Held over Zoom.
You do NOT need to have a child in therapy to attend; all parents or caregivers are welcome.
Ages: Parents of neurodivergent children of any age
Group size: up to 5
Program Days/Times: One Tuesday per month, 6 – 7 pm
Cost: Free!
We are happy to provide this service for free for our community, as part of our mission of providing access to high-quality services for everyone, regardless of financial means. If you would like to show your support for our mission, your donation is welcome and appreciated. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization, and if you choose to donate you will receive a receipt for your tax-deductible contribution.
Ausomely Autistic: Stay tuned for upcoming sessions
For autistic children who are in 3rd or 4th grade. Led by an autistic occupational therapist, this group is specifically designed to develop positive self-identity in autistic youth. The group will explore what it means to be autistic (use of identity-affirming rather than person-first language is intentional, as this is preferred by the majority of the autistic community). We will explore sensory and communication differences, regulation and coping strategies, and more. We will be incorporating portions of the SEA Bridge neurodiversity-affirming curriculum.
Ages: 3rd or 4th grade
Group Size: Up to 5 participants
Program dates: Stay tuned for upcoming sessions
Cost: Check back for details
How to enroll: Check back for details