Autism Spectrum Disorders

Therapy and Support Services

We offer support groups for parents of newly diagnosed patients, as well as therapy groups for patients from preschool to high school working on executive functioning (using the Unstuck and On Target curricula) or anxiety (using Facing Your Fears). All groups use a cognitive-behavioral therapy model and are run by one or more clinical experts in autism. Trainees may also be involved in groups.

The Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders (CASD) at Children’s National Hospital has a variety of programs and services to help care for and treat your child’s needs. Your child will have access to the latest treatments based on our cutting-edge research and our commitment to providing age-appropriate, personalized care for your child.

Learn more about CASD Programs and Services

Groups are run yearly or seasonally. Interest in our groups runs very high, and we run a very limited number of groups each year. We maintain an interest list, rather than a traditional waitlist, due to space limitations and to make sure the group and curriculum are an appropriate fit for each child or teen. We are unable to guarantee that a spot in group will be available at any particular time.

Free parent-focused videos for parents about executive functioning are also available in both English and Spanish through the curriculum website. Families may also wish to consider the paid online parent training program. The elementary school group is also sometimes offered by community providers.

Explore Our Groups

Flexibility and Friendship

This group is currently closed.

Age: 4-5 years/PreK-Kindergarten
Targets: Social skills and flexibility in young children with a diagnosis of ASD through a play-based and story-based curriculum
Best for: Children with ASD who can answer direct questions about things that happened to them at another time
Available at: Neuropsychology at Children's National Montgomery County

Children learn:

How to play games and pretend together
How to change their play plans when needed
Coping skills
Sharing and taking turns
Early conversation skills

In their own group, parents receive coaching on:

How to support kids in using their new skills at home
Strategies for young children with ASD on a variety of topics, such as picky eating, planning play dates and school supports

Unstuck and On Target: Elementary School

Age: 7-11 years
Targets: Executive function such as flexible problem-solving and planning for elementary school children, with a diagnosis of ASD
Best for: Children who are working on grade-level curriculum and are able to engage in group discussions and activities
Available at: Neuropsychology at Children's National Montgomery County or Children’s National Takoma Theatre. Virtual options for participation may be available.

Children learn:

Flexible planning
Problem solving
Coping skills

Unstuck and On Target: Middle School

This group is currently closed.

Age: 11-14 years/Grades 6-8
Targets: Executive function skills such as flexible problem-solving, planning and organization for middle school students with a diagnosis of ASD
Best for: Students with average or above average cognitive abilities, due to the language demands of the curriculum
Available at: Neuropsychology at Children's National Montgomery County or Children’s National Takoma Theatre. Virtual options for participation may be available.

Children learn:

How flexibility and polite interactions are tied to gaining social power with others, which helps them achieve their goals
How to work together to create a long-term plan for a group goal

For more information for Unstuck and On Target, please email our team.

Unstuck and On Target: High School

Age: High schoolers
Targets: Executive function and self-determination skills such as flexible problem-solving, planning and organization
Best for: Diploma-track high school students on the autism spectrum, who are comfortable with talking in a group, participating in small group activities and are able to engage in discussions related to goals, hopes and plans for after high school graduation
Available at: Takoma Theatre, Thursday Evenings Fall 2026.

Teens learn:

Flexible thinking
Time management
Handling stress
Building positive relationships
Planning for goals and putting plans into action
Understanding strengths and challenges
Self-advocating
Building motivation and memory strategies

For more info email our team with the subject line "Unstuck and On target: High School"

Facing Your Fears

Age: 8-14 years
Targets: Anxiety management skills for youth with a diagnosis of ASD using evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy.
Best for: Children who are working on grade-level curriculum and are able to engage in group discussions and activities.
Available at: Neuropsychology at Children’s National Montgomery County. Virtual options for participation may be available.

Children and caregivers learn:

How to recognize anxious thoughts and feelings
Coping strategies to manage strong emotions
Skills to gradually face and overcome fears

For more info please email our team with the subject line "Facing Your Fears".

Parenting After an Autism Diagnosis

A group that meets once a week for four weeks for parents and caregivers of children and teenagers recently diagnosed with autism.
Targets: Education, support, and coping strategies for caregivers navigating their child's recent autism diagnosis
Best for: Parents and caregivers seeking information about autism, treatment options, emotional support, and connection with other families
Available at: Neuropsychology at Children’s National Montgomery County (Virtual)

Caregivers learn:

Understanding autism and available supports
Supporting their child's development and flexibility
Talking about autism with children and family members
Self-care, mindfulness, and coping skills
Managing emotions and building resilience
Advocating for their child's needs

For more information please email our team with the subject line "Parenting After an Autism Diagnosis Group."

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