Social Connection Groups for Neurodivergent Children & Teens
Maryland | Virginia | DC | DELAWARE | PSYPACT® states
let’s get connected
That’s what we’re all thinking. Even our kids. We are bombarded with images, audio and messages about how we need to change ourselves to fit in. That’s not the case with our groups.
For our kids, especially our autistic and/or ADHD’r kids, tweens, and teens, they need - and deserve - a safe place to be themselves, ask questions, learn more and get connected
without feeling shamed or judged.
WHAT’S DIFFERENT ABOUT GROUPS AT PTC?
Social connection groups for neurodivergent elementary, middle and high schoolers at Playful Therapy Connections are a place where children, tweens, and teens can connect in the ways that are most natural for them, with peers who have similar interests and overlapping neurotypes.
We’ll be using Konfident Kidz & AUsome Training’s social communication activities created by neurodivergent teachers and utilized with permission from the primary creator. In these groups we do not teach neurotypical social skills. Rather, we help kids and teens fully embrace who they are while navigating the predominately neurotypical world.
Our therapists will support your kids, tweens, and teens utilizing the Konnect 1, 2, and 3, Embracing My Neurodivergence, Standing Up For Myself, and Include social curriculums, along with conversation, game play, and guided activities (e.g., self-reflection, art) as they interact with same age peers. As needed, we’ll decode neurotypical social interactions and help each individual identify how they feel comfortable socializing. Our goal is to increase self-esteem, help each individual understand what they want in their relationships, and help each them embrace their own social communication styles and strengths.
PTC’s social connection groups will provide opportunities for your Autistic / ADHD’r / AuDHD’r / PDA’r / Gifted/ anxious / depressed child to embrace their neurodivergence as they:
navigate their social world
build friendships
Groups offer a space for positive, affirming & safe peer connections.
Exploring their emotional world alongside peers who get it (and won’t laugh at their struggles or questions) is a powerful tool for healing & change.
Explore their communication styles
Understand their feelings
Effectively absorb & practice new skills through play, stories & conversation.
Small group content is customized to match the learning styles of group members & to meet their goals.
understand their sensory needs
self-advocate
Groups allow for real time expression of emotions, problem-solving & implementation of coping strategies to build resiliency & positive communication skills.
Ongoing parent/caregiver updates allow you to support your child at home.
Schedule
2nd & 3rd grade - every other Tuesday at 4:30
4th & 5th grade - every other Thursday at 4:30
Middle School - every other Tuesday 3:30
High School- every other Thursday 3:30
Start Dates for each group are determined by group enrollment.
Getting Started is Easy!
1: Schedule Your Free Consultation
Pick a convenient time to talk & complete a brief questionnaire to get ready.
2: Chat with our new client coordinator
Explore how group therapy will help you meet your goals & get matched to a group.
3: complete a virtual intake
Meet your therapist online to dive into your goals.
Let’s work together to move your child from isolated, anxious & frustrated to connected, communicative & understood.
The Details
schedule
Groups meet every other week for 50 minutes, for a total of 8 weeks.
Each group has the possibility of continuing should members want to continue to support each other.
group Investment
50 minute Intake $280
Current or returning clients may not need an intake or may schedule an abbreviated one.
50 minute Group $135/each
25 minute Parent/Caregiver Sessions, scheduled only as-requested $140/each
Want more details? No problem!
1: INtake
Meet your child’s group therapist(s) & explore how your goals will be met in group.
We use this information to craft a unique, personalized plan for your child’s group!
2: weekly groups
Each week, your child will login to our Google Meet room alongside their peers & therapist.
Topics & activities will vary based on group members’ personalities, goals & interests. No two groups are the same!
3: feedback
Schedule a parent/caregiver session for personalized feedback about your child’s experience in group as well as recommendations for next steps.
Group Policies
Signing up for group is a month-to-month commitment.
The fee will be waived for up to one session per quarter that is cancelled in accordance with our cancellation policies. Any additional group cancellations and missed sessions will be charged the full group fee.