Are you an adult with autistic traits, and you struggle with social interactions?
Do you identify as Neurodiverse, Aspie, Autistic, or on the Autism Spectrum?
Have you wondered if you’ll ever feel like you “fit in?”
Things are just harder for you sometimes than they seem to be for other people. Sometimes, you feel lonely or isolated. Social interactions are stressful and you often feel anxious when you know you’ll be around a group of other people. Perhaps you’ve had misunderstandings at work or difficulty developing romantic relationships.
It can be hard to find others who understand you.
As an adult on the autism spectrum, it can be difficult to find the right group of people who know the social struggles you often experience. Over the years, we have found that having a specific adult group helps to create a neurodiverse community of support. Perhaps, you are looking for more autism resources in Silicon Valley? We get it. We know the challenge this can be and want to help you find connection.
The bottom line is that you are ready to understand yourself better. You are ready to develop new insight and learn some new skills for dealing with the world around you. Our adult group can give you a safe space to learn about what it means to have autistic traits, to build new relationships and to learn new skills. While a group may sound intimidating to you at first (didn’t we just say social anxiety is a struggle?), we’ve found that having success in this supportive group setting can help improve your confidence and bring lasting change in your life.
Do you want to?
- feel more comfortable and effective at communicating with others?
- reduce confusion and conflict with others (e.g., family members, co-workers, romantic partner)?
- better handle stress and anxiety?
- understand yourself better?
- make friends?
- improve planning, choosing priorities and time-management skills?
- get to know other adults with autistic traits who understand the same issues you’re facing?
The Adult Group Could Be For You
Throughout the course of this supportive and educational group, we focus on a few main concerns.
Our Palo Alto autism therapy, adult group approach will help you thrive in all areas of your life!
First, we want to make sure this therapy group is for you! The adult group consists of up to 8 neurodiverse individuals, and meets weekly for 1 hr 45 mins at our Palo Alto office. Fortunately, the group is run by a skilled therapist who specializes in working with adults on the autism spectrum.
We understand that engaging in social interactions can be very stressful. As a result, that stress is made worse by work, families, managing your time, changing personal roles, and living on your own. Therefore, we help you identify strategies to better manage your stress and social anxiety. Through positive connections with peers in the group, you will grow in confidence. We can also help you develop the skills and confidence to lead life to the fullest.
Coping with Stress and Anxiety with our Palo Alto, CA Adult Group
During our first session, you will get a broad view of the coping skills needed to deal with stress and anxiety. Right away, this has been greatly helpful for our members! We want you to leave each session with clear skills to use in your day-to-day life. Some of these skills include:
- Managing Stress & Worries
- Learning about Emotions and Unhelpful Thinking Habits
- Sensory Sensitivities
In addition, we will discuss some of the best ways to adapt to life changes and transitions, as this can be a major source of anxiety. Even in therapy for high functioning autistic adults, we know that these skills will help your life in a positive way.
Exploring Social Skills and Communication
It can be difficult to build quality friendships as a high-functioning autistic adult. Unfortunately, we know that barriers to making friends can include isolation, bullying and social anxiety. As a result, the main goals we work on in our social skills classes or, adult groups, in our Palo Alto office are:
- Building Friendships & Intimate Relationships
- Listening & Communicating Better
- Perspective-Taking
- Empathizing
- Learning Unwritten Social Rules
Self Determination and Self Advocacy Skills for Adults
Is it difficult for you to start the things you know you need to? Could your “lazy” ways actually be a lack of a plan with concrete action steps to follow? You do not have to deal with these issues alone. Members have found that the adult group is a great place to explore ways to stand up for yourself, even when you are the one trying to talk yourself out of getting things done. In other words, we will discuss:
- Problem Solving
- Decision-Making
- Setting & Achieving Goals
- Self-Awareness
New Adult Group Starting Soon:
- Duration: 20 weeks
- Days/Times: To Be Determined
- Price: $150/Session
- Learn more about fees and payment
Could the Palo Alto Adult Group be Right for You?
This adult group is just for neurodiverse adults with autistic traits, in the South Bay Area. To begin, we provide help to reduce your anxiety and stress, improve your communication skills with loved ones (e.g., romantic partner, family members, friends). Next, we help you better mange personal and work relationship conflicts, make friends, set and achieve personal goals, improve life planning, and problem-solve. Finally, you could explore how to enter the workforce, may have a tough job, or be a tired working professional. When you are ready to help your relationships, better cope with stress & advocate for yourself, it’s time to get started. Please follow these simple steps:
- Contact Open Doors Therapy to schedule a free 30 minute phone consultation.
- Attend a 1 hour intake meeting to make sure the group is the fit for you
- Join our adult group & start learning new life skills!
Reserve your spot in group by scheduling a diagnostic evaluation.
Take the next positive step in your life journey!
Other Autism Services at Open Doors Therapy
Our Palo Alto/Bay Area mental health clinic serves individuals with autistic traits (Aspergers, high functioning autism, undiagnosed autism traits, etc) and their families. Specifically, or autism therapy services include individual counseling, parent counseling, and group therapy. Our support and educational groups include college students with autistic traits, young adults with autism, working professionals, women who identify as neurodiverse, and gifted youth & caregivers. If you would like to learn about any of these services, please reach out today!