therapeutic support groups

Surviving and Thriving After the Diagnosis is a therapeutic support group for parents whose children have been diagnosed on the autistic spectrum. The groups are led by two experienced therapists who understand the needs of parents who have children with
special needs.

We provide a safe structure in which you can share and learn from other parents who understand what you are going through:

We match you with parents who have compatible interests and goals.
We consider the age of your child and the particular needs that he or she might have. We know that there are crucial transition points at which you might need more support from others. These include:

• When your child is newly diagnosed
• Making the transition from early intervention to primary school
• Adolescence

We keep the groups small
To get the maximum benefit from the group, we limit the group size to between eight and
ten members.

We discuss topics that are important to you.
Here are just some of the issues that have been discussed in past groups:

• Prioritizing needs for your child and finding services that meet those needs.
• Difficult feelings that arise in the course of caring for your child.
• Getting the support you need from family and friends.
• Communicating effectively with, and getting the support you need, from professionals.
• The impact of your child’s special needs on your family and your other significant relationships.
• Taking care of yourself.
• Finding and focusing on strengths.