FAQs for Parents

Own Your Way may be a good fit for an autistic teen who is looking for greater self-understanding, connection with peers, and practical tools for navigating everyday life.

The group may be particularly helpful for teens who are working through things like anxiety, emotional overwhelm, difficulty identifying or communicating their needs, challenges in relationships, sensory or social stress, burnout, self-advocacy, or uncertainty about how to care for themselves.

Your teen does not need to be struggling in a particular way or have a specific diagnosis beyond being autistic. We are looking for teens who have some interest in understanding themselves, connecting with others, and developing skills that support their well-being.

Before joining, the group facilitator will help determine whether the group is an appropriate fit for your teens’ needs and goals.

Readiness doesn't mean being outgoing, confident, or completely comfortable in groups.

We're primarily looking for teens who can participate safely in a shared therapeutic environment and have some willingness to explore the topics addressed in the group. They do not need to be excited about group therapy or ready to share personal information right away.

Some teens may participate actively from the beginning, while others may need more time to observe, listen, and build trust. That's okay. Developing comfort and connection is part of the process.

That's okay! Group participation can look different for everyone.

Part of the goal of Own Your Way is to create a space where teens can practice connection, communication, and self-advocacy without being expected to perform or participate in a particular way.

We understand that walking into a new group and meeting unfamiliar people can feel uncomfortable, particularly for teens who are naturally more reserved or who have had difficult experiences in social settings.

There is no expectation that your teen will immediately jump into conversations or share personal experiences. Teens can take time to settle in, observe, and decide when and how they want to participate.

Parents play an important role in supporting their teen while also allowing the group to remain a confidential space for participants.

During the first week of the program, parents will participate in a one-on-one, in-person orientation with the group facilitator. This gives parents an opportunity to:

• Learn more about the structure and goals of the group

• Ask questions about the program

• Understand what their teen can expect

• Discuss ways to support their teen outside of group

• Learn how to reinforce skills and strategies being practiced in group

Parents will also have monthly check-ins with the group facilitator to discuss general progress, concerns, and ways to support their teen's participation.

At the same time, teens will have a private therapeutic space to participate in group. We will respect their confidentiality within the limits of applicable laws and professional responsibilities.

Confidentiality is an important part of creating a safe and trusting group environment.

Group members will be asked to respect one another's privacy and agree not to share what other participants discuss outside of the group. We will talk with teens about what confidentiality means and why it matters before they participate.

Because we cannot completely control what another participant may say or do outside of group, confidentiality between group members cannot be absolutely guaranteed. We want both teens and parents to understand this before participation and to make thoughtful choices about what they feel comfortable sharing.

As with individual therapy, there are also legal and ethical limits to confidentiality. If there is a concern about a teen's safety or another situation in which disclosure is required or permitted by law, the facilitator will follow applicable requirements and, whenever possible, communicate with the teen and parent about what is happening.

Own Your Way is intentionally kept small. The group will be limited to no more than 6 participants.

A small group allows each teen to have opportunities to participate while also creating a more comfortable environment for connection, discussion, and individualized support.

We strive to provide the highest level of care possible, and consistent, on-time attendance is an important part of successful group therapy.

Starting on time allows the group to settle in together, and consistent participation helps teens build relationships, develop trust, and benefit from the skills and experiences covered in each session. When a teen misses group, they miss an important part of the therapeutic process — and their absence can also affect the experience of the other group members.

For these reasons, regular attendance and arriving on time are expected. We also understand that unexpected circumstances happen. If your teen needs to miss a session, please communicate with us as soon as possible so we can determine the best way to support them.

A minimum of 24 hours' notice is required for cancellations. Cancellations with less than 24 hours' notice may be subject to the applicable cancellation fee outlined in our Policies and Fees.

At this time, Helix Center is not in-network with insurance plans.

We can provide the documentation you need to submit claims to your insurance company for potential out-of-network reimbursement. Reimbursement is determined by your individual insurance plan, so we recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to understand your out-of-network mental health benefits, deductible, and reimbursement rate.

You can review our Policies and Fees for additional information about payment and cancellation policies.

No.

Own Your Way is not about teaching teens to hide their differences, mask their autistic traits, or fit themselves into a neurotypical world.

Instead, the group is about helping teens better understand themselves, recognize and communicate their needs, develop self-advocacy skills, build meaningful relationships, and practice forms of self-care that support their well-being.

We want teens to leave with greater self-understanding, agency, and confidence in being themselves — not a longer list of ways they are expected to change.

Not exactly.

Relationships and communication are important parts of Own Your Way, but the goal is not to teach teens to behave more "normally" or conform to neurotypical expectations.

Instead, the group focuses on helping teens:

• Better understand themselves and their individual needs

• Communicate their thoughts, feelings, and boundaries

• Practice self-advocacy

• Navigate relationships in ways that feel authentic

• Recognize and respect differences in communication and connection

• Develop greater flexibility when navigating challenges

• Build coping and self-care strategies

• Identify and act on their personal values

The emphasis is on authentic connection rather than performance or conformity. We want teens to develop relationships that feel safe, meaningful, and reciprocal while learning to advocate for themselves along the way.