Managing Anxiety in the Context of Autism/Neurodivergence:  A CBT Group for Parents

Parenting neurodivergent children may come with some unique challenges, especially when anxiety is part of the picture. Rates of anxiety are high among children and youth in general, but even higher among those with autism and other forms of neurodivergence. This specialized parenting group provides practical, evidence-based anxiety management tools - rooted in cognitive behavioural therapy and developmental psychology - specifically tailored to address the unique needs of neurodivergent children. In a small group, parents will:

  • Recognize the many “faces” of anxiety: Understand the diverse ways anxiety presents in neurodivergent children

  • Learn effective strategies: Develop parent-led anxiety management techniques tailored to meet the unique needs of neurodivergent children 

  • Balance protection and encouragement: Recognize when to provide support/accommodation around neurodivergent needs and when to promote bravery/risk-taking to face fears

  • Learn teaching skills: Learn a framework to teach your child missing or lagging skills that often contribute to anxiety among neurodivergent children

  • Address lifestyle factors contributing to anxiety: Identify/modify lifestyle factors that may increase anxiety (e.g., sleep habits, screen time, daily routines)

  • Build community: Connect with a supportive, neurodiversity-affirming network of parents who share similar experiences

This group is designed for parents or caregivers raising children who are:

  • 4 to 13 years old 

  • On the autism spectrum with low support needs (level 1 or 2) or living with mild to moderate intellectual/developmental disability or other neurodevelopmental condition

  • Experiencing symptoms of anxiety and/or obsessions/compulsions 

The group is not suitable for families raising children with any of the following:

  • High support needs for communication and/or daily living skills

  • Behavioural difficulties causing significant safety concerns (e.g., severe aggression, self-injury causing significant harm, or high risk of bolting)

For families raising children with high support needs and/or severe behavioural concerns, we recommend connecting with providers who have capacity to provide more intensive, one-on-one, team-based care to best meet your child’s needs.

Details:

  • A 10-session virtual group on parenting strategies for raising anxious neurodivergent children

  • Group sessions are 75 minutes in duration

  • Self-referrals accepted on an ongoing basis; group offered at least twice per year

  • The next groups starts on Monday April 14th at 12pm - 1:15pm; sessions are on Tuesdays during weeks when the Monday falls on a holiday (2 sessions) 

  • The fee is $200 per 75-minute session

  • Autism Funding is accepted with advanced authorization (or families may pay up front and receive reimbursement once funding is approved); other forms of funding may also be applicable 

Optional Follow-Up Individual Consultation:

Families who attend the group have the option to book up to two 50-minute virtual follow-up consult sessions during or within two months of the end of group. These consult sessions provide additional support for adapting the strategies covered in group to your child’s specific needs and circumstances; they may also focus on helping parents identify next steps or additional resources for moving forward. These consults are billed at regular clinic rates for Registered Psychologists.

Group Leaders

Dr. Tara Jukes and Dr. Melanie McConnell

If you would like to participate in this group, please click below to fill out an intake form (if you have not already done so). If you wish to make arrangements to use third party funding (e.g., Autism Funding, Self Design), please email  dr.mcconnell@cornerstonepsychology.ca as soon as possible.