Group Therapy for Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Overview

Autism Group Therapy at Pediatric Behavioral Health & Wellness provides structured group programs designed to help children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder build social, communication, and emotional regulation skills.

Since kids with ASD tend to experience social challenges—including difficulty communicating and interacting effectively with others—group therapy can be a safe place for them to learn and practice social and communication skills, such as listening and conversation skills.

Groups for Children & Adolescents with ASD

Social Skills

Group sessions where children and teens practice social, communication, and coping skills such as making friends, problem-solving, and conversation.

PEERS (Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills)

A UCLA-developed social skills program for teens on the autism spectrum and related conditions that teaches conversation, humor, and friendship skills while parents participate in a parallel group to support their teen.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Anxiety

Group sessions that help children and teens understand anxiety and build coping skills using cognitive, behavioral, and relaxation strategies.

Social Thinking Drama Group

Using drama therapy techniques, the group members practice social thinking skills—such as perspective taking and cognitive flexibility—through improvisation, storytelling, and role-play.

Our Approach

Group therapy provides a great opportunity to learn and practice skills with support and coaching from group leaders. During group sessions, children and adolescents connect with their peers and see that they are not alone.

Many children and adolescents with ASD have trouble regulating their emotions and behavior. They may also experience significant anxiety. The group’s focus is on helping them develop and use adaptive coping strategies to improve their functioning.

Our ASD groups are typically structured as follows:

• The group meets once a week at the same time for a total of 12 sessions.
• Each session lasts between 50 and 75 minutes.
• The groups consist of 4 to 8 youth.
• There are two group leaders per group. PEERS groups include an additional leader who facilitates the parent group.

Contact Us

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call (585) 279-7800.

Locations

Pediatric Behavioral Health & Wellness
1860 South Avenue
Rochester, NY 14620

200 East River Road
Rochester, NY 14623

Hours

Pediatric Behavioral Health & Wellness Outpatient Services
Monday – Thursday, 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday (at select locations), 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.