Group Therapy for Autism & Special Needs
Helping individuals thrive in a social world by building social skills and connections to others
About Group Therapy at CCSN
CCSN’s group therapy programs focus on teaching social communication and interaction skills that are difficult to develop in isolation. By learning alongside peers with similar experiences, participants are able to practice skills in a realistic, structured, and encouraging setting.
Our group therapy for autism and special needs addresses key social functions such as listening and attention, perspective-taking, social reasoning, problem solving, understanding nonverbal cues, conflict resolution, and navigating social rules and conventions. Sessions are led by experienced clinicians who guide interactions, model appropriate behavior, and provide direct feedback to support learning.
Groups are intentionally structured to promote engagement, emotional safety, and participation. Clinicians build on each individual’s strengths and interests, helping participants feel successful while working toward meaningful social goals.
Group Therapy for Different Ages and Needs
CCSN offers group therapy for children, adolescents, and young adults who experience social processing challenges related to a wide range of developmental and neurological conditions. Groups are formed based on age, developmental level, and social goals to promote optimal peer interaction.
Participants may include individuals with:
- Autism spectrum disorders
- Asperger’s syndrome
- Nonverbal learning disabilities
- Semantic and pragmatic language disorders
- Communication disorders
- Specific learning disorders
- Neurological impairments
- Chronic pediatric illness
By grouping individuals with similar needs and abilities, CCSN creates an environment where participants feel understood, supported, and motivated to engage.
A Strengths-Based, Evidence-Driven Approach
At CCSN, group therapy is not a one-size-fits-all experience. Our approach emphasizes individualized support within a group setting, allowing participants to learn at their own pace while benefiting from peer interaction.
We help individuals develop social skills through:
- Creating a supportive social environment where communication skills can be practiced safely
- Providing direct instruction tailored to each participant’s learning profile
- Offering guided opportunities to practice skills during structured and natural group activities
- Making social interactions positive, enjoyable, and rewarding
This approach ensures that social learning is not only effective, but also motivating and meaningful.
Group Therapy for Adults with Autism & Special Needs
Social challenges can continue into adulthood, impacting relationships, employment, and community participation. CCSN offers group therapy for autism to support social independence, self-advocacy, and meaningful connection.
Adult group therapy focuses on real-world social demands such as navigating workplace interactions, maintaining friendships, understanding social expectations, and managing conflict. Groups provide a supportive space to practice skills, receive feedback, and learn from shared experiences.
By participating in autism group therapy for adults, individuals gain practical tools and increased confidence to navigate social situations with greater ease and effectiveness
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy helps individuals develop sensory regulation, motor coordination, and daily living skills that directly support participation in social settings. Improving sensory processing and self-regulation can enhance attention, engagement, and comfort during group interactions.
Individual and Family Therapy
Individual and family therapy services address emotional well-being, coping strategies, and relationship dynamics. These services support social skill development by helping individuals and families navigate stress, communication challenges, and behavioral concerns both within and outside the group environment.
Feeding Clinic Services
CCSN’s Feeding Clinic provides assessment, direct treatment, and family training for feeding and mealtime challenges. Addressing feeding-related concerns can reduce stress and improve overall functioning, allowing individuals to engage more fully in social and therapeutic activities.
Sleep Support Services
Sleep support services help address difficulties with falling asleep, staying asleep, and maintaining healthy sleep routines. Improved sleep can significantly impact attention, emotional regulation, and learning readiness, all of which contribute to more successful participation in group therapy.
By integrating these complementary services, CCSN enhances outcomes by addressing social, emotional, sensory, and behavioral needs together - creating a coordinated, whole-person approach that supports meaningful and lasting progress.
Social challenges greatly impact the success of children with autism and related developmental disorders
These challenges can impede all areas of development, academic success, and independent functioning. Our structured, curriculum-based groups are designed to help individuals function well in a social setting.
CCSN’s group therapy sessions address social functions like: listening skills, social reasoning and problem solving, nonverbal communication, conflict resolution, social rules and conventions, and more. We offer sibling groups so individuals can benefit from a supportive environment of peers who have similar experiences.
Our approach is to build on the individual’s strengths and interests, and to teach social skills through:
- Creating a supportive social environment within which the individual can establish and practice social communication skills and successfully interact with others
- Providing skill instruction tailored to the learning profile of the individual
- Creating opportunities to practice skills within the group
- Making social interactions supportive, satisfying, and enjoyable
Groups are available for children, adolescents, and young adults with social processing difficulties related to:
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Asperger's Syndrome
- Nonverbal Learning Disabilities
- Semantic and Pragmatic Disorders
- Communication Disorders
- Specific Learning Disorders
- Neurological Impairments
- Chronic Pediatric Illness
Insurance Reimbursement:
CCSN Behavioral Health accepts insurance from a variety of providers. We would be happy to check eligibility and verify benefits with your insurance company. Please contact us for more information.
Occupational Therapy Treatment
Occupational therapy specializing in evidence-based services for children with a wide range of fine and sensorimotor needs
Individual and Family Therapy
Individuals with autism or related neurodevelopmental disorders and their families often benefit from therapeutic support that improves their social and emotional well-being
Feeding
CCSN’s Feeding Clinic provides direct treatment and family training to address a wide range of feeding challenges
Sleeping
Difficulties falling asleep independently, staying asleep, and having healthy sleep habits can be particularly challenging
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