You’re looking for an online support group that you can participate in from the comfort of your own home.
Finding yourself wanting to connect with other neurodiverse individuals who understand the struggles you are having.
You understand the value of learning and practicing important skills, even when you can’t leave your home.
There are times when attending group therapy can be challenging, especially for individuals with neurodiverse traits. This could be due to being extremely busy, living far from the therapy clinic, or having to shelter in place during a global health crisis like COVID-19. However, it's important to know that you deserve support and the chance to find a group where you can feel accepted and understood.
Online Group Therapy Offers a Special Opportunity For You to Connect with Other Individuals on the Autism Spectrum.
At Open Doors Therapy, we value the strength of community. Our autism therapists are trained to lead online skills groups for autistic teens and adults, including those who identify as autistic, neurodivergent, or with an Asperger’s profile, autism traits, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
We offer the following neurodiverse-affirming groups online:
In Online Group Therapy You Will Have The Opportunity to Learn and Practice Important Life and Social Skills
Our social skills groups offer a valuable opportunity to learn and practice social skills in a neurodiverse-friendly environment. It's important to emphasize that our groups prioritize supporting your authentic self and do not promote masking. We focus on fostering social confidence and providing a safe space for you and your peers. Our groups address three key areas: managing stress and anxiety, enhancing social skills and communication, and promoting self-advocacy. Our ultimate goal is to enhance your life, empower you for success, and nurture self-confidence!
Build Your Social Confidence with Your Neurodiverse Peers
We understand that one of the main concerns individuals on the autism spectrum have is building and maintaining friendships. That's why we prioritize teaching and practicing social skills in our online group therapy sessions, creating a neurodiverse-friendly environment.
Some of the Skills You Will Learn in Online Group Therapy Include:
- Strategies and the confidence to initiate conversations
- Understanding non-verbal communication, social norms, and social cues
- Managing your desire “info dump” or overshare
- Improving listening skills
- Expressing empathy and validation to build rapport
- Conflict resolution skills
Learn Coping Strategies to Manage Your Stress and Anxiety
As an individual on the autism spectrum, you may find it challenging to manage stress and anxiety, especially when you have been overstimulated. In our online groups, we will provide you with practical strategies to navigate the things that may trigger anxiety and help you feel more at ease.
Some of the Coping Strategies You Will Learn Include:
- Managing stress and anxiety in your day-to-day life and social situations,
- Understanding your emotions and the triggers that make you feel uneasy.
- Coping with too much sensory stimulation.
- Practicing mindful techniques to pause and regain control of your emotions.
- Developing strategies for healthier ways of expressing emotions.
Improve Your Self-Advocacy Skills
One of the most important things we hope you will gain from group therapy is the ability to be your own best advocate. By learning how to communicate your needs to others, you can increase your self-confidence. This will empower you to face any challenges that may come your way, knowing that you have the skills to handle them.
Some of the Self-Advocacy Skills You Will Learn Include:
- Recognizing your strengths and challenges
- Setting goals for yourself
- Identifying other autism resources
- Understanding your rights in the workplace, learning environment, and within relationships
- Learning how to ask for accommodations and support
The Details of Online Group Therapy for Individuals with Autism in California
Online group therapy has proven to be successful in fostering connections among neurodiverse individuals who share similar age and profiles. Unlike in-person group therapy, online sessions utilize video platforms for interaction. Nevertheless, participants are still able to establish rapport and form strong connections with one another. Ultimately, online group therapy provides a safe and inclusive space for participants to express themselves and be vulnerable.
To join an online group, you simply need a computer, tablet, or smart device, along with a secure internet connection. After downloading an app similar to Zoom, you can click on the link provided via email to access the session. Rest assured, our video platform prioritizes security and complies with HIPAA regulations.
Please note that due to professional licensure, our group therapy services are currently available exclusively to residents of California.
Begin Online Group Therapy in California:
Even if you're unable to attend a skills group in person, there's still an option to receive autism group therapy in California. Our therapists are here to offer a safe and supportive online environment for you to connect with other individuals who have diverse neurological experiences. To start online group therapy in California, please follow these steps:
- Reach out to our autism therapy clinic to schedule a free 30-minute video consultation,
- Join us for a 1-hour intake meeting with an autism specialist online. This will give us the opportunity to determine what group will be the best fit for you.
- Join a skills group online and meet your neurodiverse peers.
Other Autism Services at Open Doors Therapy
Our Palo Alto/Bay Area autism therapy clinic helps teens and adults with autistic traits and their families. This includes individuals who identify as having Asperger’s, autism, undiagnosed autism traits, etc. Check out our Autism Resources page for more information and updated resources for the Palo Alto, CA area.
Currently, in the wake of COVID-19, we are offering all our autism services online in California and Illinois. These services include individual therapy, parent counseling, and group therapy. We also offer neurodiverse-affirming groups for college students with autistic traits, young adults with autism, neurodiverse adults, women who identify as neurodiverse, and a mother’s group, and an online parent support group. Also, I write weekly blog posts to share autism information and resources. Please contact Open Doors Therapy to learn more about our online therapy options.