Solutions
Facilitated by Dr. Nathan Larson
Thursdays (5:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.) Year Round $70/Session
This group has been designed for 11-13 year old boys to provide supportive and solution-focused group therapy aimed at enhancing the development and use of appropriate social skills. The goal of group will be to assist group members in developing a better understanding of their difficulties and learning skills to more effectively cope with their emotions and the situations they encounter. Participants will be given opportunities to work on social skills, adaptive functioning (learning to read social cues, regulating behaviors, being patient, being confident, and paying attention in social situations), and learning how to control mood and impulsive actions. We do this through role play and goal-directed interactions, where we share experiences with one another and think of new and appropriate ways to handle common situations.
Path to Independence
Facilitated by Dr. Anna Merrill
Mondays (5:00 PM-6:00 PM), for 8 weeks $70/session
This group is designed for 14-18 year old adolescents with a mild intellectual disability or significant learning disabilities. The group will provide eight weeks of instruction to address delays in adaptive and social functioning needed for independence. Adaptive functioning will include home and community living skills such as hygiene, independent use of an alarm clock, and food preparation. Social and communication functioning will address challenges related to friendships, acquaintances, professional relationships, and everything in between. Information will be taught using role play, the development of personal visual supports, and short didactic lessons with discussion. With the assistance of the facilitator, each participant will develop short-term goals based on their own long-term goals after high school.
SPS (Social Problem Solvers)
Facilitated by Dr. Anna Merrill
First and third Wednesday (5:00 PM – 6:00 PM) $70/session
This group is designed for 13-16 year old adolescents with autism spectrum disorder or other social and pragmatic communication challenges. The group will address social cognition through social skill instruction related to relationship development, reciprocal conversation, and social problem solving across contexts. Issues related to technology and social media will be discussed. The group will include interactive games, discussion, and short didactic lessons. Role play and repeated practice of skills with immediate feedback from peers and the facilitator will be used to encourage social skills growth. Group members will have the opportunity to plan their own “party” at group to implement skills learned and facilitate expanding their social network.
Launch into Life
Facilitated by Dr. Anna Merrill
Second and fourth Wednesday (5:00 PM – 6:00 PM) $70/session
This group is designed for 17-23 year old young adults with autism spectrum disorder or other social and pragmatic communication challenges. The group will address social cognition through social skill instruction related to friendships and dating, professional communication, and social problem solving across contexts. The members of the group will be encouraged to generate topics for discussion and work together to find answers with help from the facilitator. Interactive discussion, role play, and didactic lessons will be used to facilitate growth. Group members will be encouraged to participate in activities outside of the group at home and in their community and process these experiences within the group context.
Recipes for Success
Facilitated by Dr. Sandra Burkhardt
Second Monday of Every Month (4:30 P.M. – 5:30 P.M.)
This psychoeducational group is for parents or grandparents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Rather than provide therapy, Dr. Burkhardt will provide instruction and promote greater educational awareness. You will learn more about ASD issues and how to apply them in your family while raising your children or grandchildren. Session topics include suggestions for positive management of behaviors, handling meltdowns, structuring family time, and finding support.