WINTER/SPRING 2012 WORKSHOPS AND GROUPS
February is Jewish Disability Awareness Month
The mission of Jewish Disability Awareness Month is to unite Jewish communities and organizations for the purpose of raising awareness and supporting meaningful inclusion of people with disabilities and their families in every aspect of Jewish life.
To apply for consideration in one of our children and young adult social skills groups for ASD, either call Intake at 301-816-2633, or click on Client Forms, select Social Skills Group Screening Form, complete, and e-mail to contactus@jssa.org or fax to (301) 468-1862. Thank you.
To apply for all other groups, please click on Client Forms, find the applicable forms, print, complete and bring all forms to your first JSSA appointment. Thank you.
Child and Teen Groups
Children/Adolescents Asperger's Syndrome Therapy Groups
Going Places! A Social Club for Teens with Asperger’s Syndrome-NoVa
Young Adult Groups
New! ADHD Management for Young Adults, Ages 17-20
Cool, Calm & Connected: A Young Adult Social Skills Therapy Group-MD
Cool, Calm & Connected: A Young Adult Social Skills Therapy Group-NoVa
Newly Added! Cool, Calm & Connected: A Young Adult Social Skills Therapy Group Focusing on Relationships
Going Places! A Social Club for Young Adults with Asperger's Syndrome and Related Disorders-MD
Going Places! A Social Club for Young Adults with Asperger’s Syndrome and Related Disorders-NoVa
Adult Groups
Going Places! A Social Club for Adults 30+ with Asperger’s Syndrome-NoVa
Social Skills Therapy Groups for Adults with Asperger's and Related Disorders
Parent Groups
Family Support Group
Parent Support Group: Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)-MD
Support Group For Parents of Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)-NoVa
Child and Teen Groups
Children/Adolescents Asperger's Syndrome Therapy Groups*
Within the context of a small group setting, children and adolescents who have difficulty in social situations learn desirable social behaviors such as initiating friendships, making conversation, sharing, group cooperation, showing care and empathy, problem solving, self-control, and handling teasing and strong emotions.
Cost: $65-75 per session (may be insurance reimbursable). A $10 materials fee (covering handouts, snacks, etc.) will be collected at the first session of each group. There is also a $15 fee for the “JSSA Asperger’s Social Skills Guide for Parents,” designed specially to help parents reinforce skills at home.
Maryland Social Skills Therapy Groups - 200 Wood Hill Road, Rockville
Boys and girls, grades 1-2, ages 6-7 years, with an Asperger’s diagnosis,*
Tuesdays, March 6-June 5, 4:30-5:20 p.m.
Leader: Sarah Hillegass, LCSW-C
Boys, grades 6-8, ages 11-13 years, with an Asperger’s diagnosis
Mondays, Feb 6-April 30, 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Leader: Zach Lehman, LCSW-C
Virginia Social Skills Therapy Groups - 3018 Javier Road, Fairfax
All ASD specific social skills groups offered in the JSSA Fairfax office are full this session.
Boys and girls, grades 4-6, ages 8-10 years with an ADHD diagnosis
Mondays, Feb.-May, Dates TBA, 6:00-6:50 p.m.
Leader: Andrea LoBalbo, LCSW
New! BFF (Building and Fostering Friendships) Social Skills Club for Boys and Girls, Grades K-2
This 12-week social skills group provides the opportunity for children who have difficulty in social situations to develop positive social behaviors such as initiating conversations, showing care and empathy, and maintaining friendships. Other skills the group will focus on include handling teasing and bullying, problem solving, turn-taking, and cooperation. The group is open to the public.
When: Wednesdays, Feb-May, Dates TBA, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Where: The Auburn School, 13525 Dulles Technology Drive, Suite 101, Herndon, VA 20171
Leaders: Rebecca Porter, MSW, Melissa Morrow, LCSW
Cost: $550.00 for series. Non-insurance reimbursable.
Registration: Pre-registration required. Please call 703-896-7910
Maryland - 200 Wood Hill Road, Rockville
Young Adult Groups
Cool, Calm & Connected: A Young Adult Social Skills Therapy Group
For young adults ages 19-25 who may have PDD, Asperger’s syndrome or related disorders. Participants will focus on understanding others and improving their own non-verbal communication, building social confidence and conversation skills, and managing difficult emotions.
When: Tuesdays, Feb. 27-May 14, 6:45-7:45 p.m.
Where: 200 Wood Hill Road, Rockville
Leader: Alison Dorsky, LCSW-C
Cost: $65 per session. May be insurance-reimbursable
Registration: Pre-registration required. Call: 301-610-8358
Going Places! Social Club for Young Adults with Asperger's Syndrome and Related Disorders-MD
For young adults ages 18-30. Participants will be encouraged to engage with their peers in a fun and stimulating environment. Activities include local field trips, games, art projects, movies, dining out, etc. Group members will also be encouraged to suggest new ideas for other weekend outings.
When: Sundays, February 12, March 25, April 22, and May 20, 2012, Times TBD
Where: Maryland. Locations of events will vary.
Facilitators: Caryn Harris, LGPC, and Stacie Feldman, LGPC
Cost: $30 per event/$330 for year
Registration: Pre-registration required: 301-610-8414 or charris@jssa.org
Adults Groups
Social Skills Therapy Group For Adults with Asperger's and Related Disorders
For men and women ages 26 and older. This group will provide opportunities for participants to understand and improve their social interactions. Participants will discuss and practice skills to reduce social anxiety and strengthen connections with family members, friends, co-workers, and acquaintances.
When: Thursdays, Feb.16-May 17; 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Where: 200 Wood Hill Road, Rockville
Leader: Kate Wissman, LCSW-C
Cost: $65 per session. May be insurance-reimbursable
Registration: Pre-registration required. Call 301-816-2633
Parent Groups
Parent Support Group: Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)-MD
Parents (also open to other family members) share coping strategies and community resources, develop networks and gain support.
When: Mondays, Feb. 6, March 5, April 2, May 7,
7:00-8:15 p.m.
Where: 200 Wood Hill Road, Rockville
Facilitator: Jamell White, LCSW-C
Cost: No charge
Registration: Pre-registration required: 301-610-8361
Maryland Groups - 6123 Montrose Road, Rockville
Parent Groups
Family Support Group
This monthly support group focuses on building a support network, identifying community resources, and balancing one’s own needs with those of children up to age 20 with special needs.
When: Monthly, Third Tuesday, Feb. 21, March 20, April 17, May 15;
7:15-9:00 p.m.
Where: 6123 Montrose Road, Rockville
Facilitator: Stacie Feldman, LGPC
Cost: Free of charge
Registration: Pre-registration required: 301-610-8355
Virginia Groups - 3018 Javier Road, Fairfax
Child and Teen Groups
Going Places! Social Club for Teens with Asperger’s Syndrome-NoVa
JSSA and the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia (JCCNV) present a social club for teens ages 14-17 diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome and related disorders. Group activities are geared towards getting to know each other and building essential social skills. Group meets every other month.
When: Sundays, Jan. 22, March 18, May 20, (other Dates and Times TBA)
Where: Northern Virginia. Location of events will vary.
Facilitators: Michal Berkson, LCSW/LICSW (JSSA), Melissa Hochberg, Resource Specialist (JCCNV)
Cost: $25 per event.
Registration: Pre-registration required: 703-537-3040 or melissah@jccnv.org
Young Adult Groups
New! ADHD Management for Young Adults, Ages 17-20
This 6-session series promotes independence and helps develop executive skills and planning for life as a young adult. Participants learn skills to better manage distraction, improve organizational skills, manage time effectively and enhance self-esteem.
When: Dates and Times TBD
Where: 3018 Javier Road, Fairfax
Leader: Andrea LoBalbo, LCSW
Cost: $210 for the series of six sessions
Registration: Pre-registration required. Please call 703-896-7918
Cool, Calm & Connected: A Young Adult Social Skills Therapy Group-NoVa
For young adults ages 19-29 with Asperger’s syndrome or related disorders. Participants will focus on understanding non-verbal communication, building and maintaining relationships and managing stress, anxiety and frustration.
New Time! When: Tuesdays, Jan. 31-May 1, 2012; 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Where: JSSA, 3018 Javier Road, Fairfax
Cost: $65/session (may be insurance-reimbursable)
Leader: Michal Berkson, LCSW
Registration: Pre-screening appointment required. Call: 703-896-7918
Newly Added! Cool, Calm & Connected: A Young Adult Social Skills Therapy Group Focusing on Relationships
For young adults ages 19-29 with Asperger’s syndrome or related disorders.This group will focus on building and maintaining healthy relationships with classmates, teachers, peers, parents, co-workers, siblings and significant others and on appropriately managing feelings such as frustration, anxiety, disappointment, anger and jealousy.
When: Tuesdays, Jan. 31-May 1, 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Where: JSSA, 3018 Javier Road, Fairfax
Leader: Dawn Kaye, LCSW
Cost: $65 per session. May be insurance-reimbursable
Registration: Pre-screening appointment required: 703-896-7918
Going Places! Social Club for Young Adults with Asperger’s Syndrome and Related Disorders-NoVa
JSSA and the JCCNV present a social club for young adults ages 18-29 with Asperger’s syndrome and related disorders. The club provides a variety of monthly social opportunities in a structured and supportive environment.
When: Sundays, January 8, February 12, March 18, April 22, and May 6, 2012;
Times TBA
Where: Northern Virginia. Locations will vary.
Facilitators: Dawn Kaye, LCSW (JSSA), Michal Berkson, LCSW (JSSA), and Melissa Hochberg (JCCNV)
Cost: $30 per event/$330 for year
Registration: Pre-registration required: 703-537-3040 or melissah@jccnv.org
Adult Groups
Going Places! A Social Club for Adults 30+ with Asperger’s Syndrome-NoVa
JSSA and the JCCNV co-sponsor this structured and supportive monthly social outing program.
When: Sundays, Jan. 22, Feb. 26, April 18 and May 20, 2012 Note: No group in March; Time TBA
Where: Locations of events will vary.
Facilitators: Dawn Kaye, LCSW (JSSA), Michal Berkson, LCSW (JSSA) and Melissa Hochberg, Resource Specialist (JCCNV)
Cost: $25 per event
Registration: Pre-registration required: melissah@jccnv.org or 703-537-3040
Parent Groups
Support Group For Parents of Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)-NoVa
Parents share coping strategies and community resources, while gaining support from others.
Guest speakers will be invited to some sessions.
When: Wednesdays, Jan. 18, Feb. 29, March 28, April 25, and
May 30, 2012; 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Where: 3018 Javier Road, Fairfax
Facilitator: Michal Berkson, LCSW
Cost: $15 per session
Registration: Pre-registration required: 703-896-7914
Other services our clients have found helpful:
ASD Programs for Children, Teens, Adults & Families 
