Programs & Services
| Chapel Hill TEACCH |
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| Additional Info |
Chapel Hill TEACCH Center
Group Meetings
Below is a description of the groups offered through the Chapel Hill TEACCH Center. Individuals with autism and their families must have completed an intake interview with a TEACCH therapist before accessing any of these groups. If you have not yet had an intake appointment, please call Catherine Jones at (919) 966-3100 to set up an appointment. If you have had an intake appointment and are connected with a TEACCH therapist, please use the contact information below to make further inquiries about the groups listed.
Mothers’ Group
The Chapel Hill TEACCH Center Mothers’ group was started in 1986 and is for mothers of children and young adolescents with autism. The two main purposes of the group are support and information. The format is informal with each meeting focused on a specific topic (e.g., behavior problems, siblings). Although the group has a facilitator, the mothers are encouraged to take the lead in talking about whatever aspects of the topic are relevant for them. The group meets monthly at the Center from 10:00 to 11:30 AM from September through June, and is open to mothers who have had prior contact with the center. Contact Catherine Jones for more information about the schedule.
Parents of Adults Group
The Parents of Adults with autism group is a support and informational group for parents whose child is 18 years or over, although parents of younger children occasionally attend. The group is also open to adult siblings or other adult relatives who have an important role in life of an adult with autism, including their care. Like the Mothers’ Group, this group has a specific topic for each meeting (e.g., planning for the future, developing independence skills). The group meets monthly, on the second Tuesday, September through June from 7:00-8:30 PM at the Creative Living Center (address as of June, 2007 is 6300 Chapel Hill Road in Raleigh). Contact Catherine Jones for more information about the schedule.
Fathers’ Group
The Fathers’ Group is an informal get-together of fathers who are interested in meeting others to discuss the experiences of being a dad with a child with autism. The group meets for dinner at a restaurant in the Chapel Hill area and the format is informal. There is no specific topic, but the group often discusses a wide range of issue from schooling to behavior problems. There is no set schedule for meetings, but, on average, the group meets every 6 weeks or so. Notice about the meetings is sent by an email announcement. Interested fathers should contact Lee Marcus at (919)966-4684.
Adult Support Groups
These groups are intended for individuals with autism who are 21 years or older, have had previous individual counseling, and are able to be a part of a group. No previous experience in a group is required. The purpose of the groups is to provide information and emotional support to the members on both general and specific issues related to their coping with the challenges of autism. The format of the groups is both structured and informal, and has included addressing specific topics (e.g. getting along with coworkers), reading and discussing a scenario of a real-life problem, and having part of the one hour session focus on an individual member. Minutes, or a summary of each meeting, are provided to group members. Participation in these groups offers adults support and the opportunity to establish positive relationships with other adults who share similar experiences. Both groups meet approximately twice a month.
In order to protect confidentiality and facilitate the sharing of personal experiences, group enrollment is limited. Enrollment in the groups is through referral by a TEACCH staff member. If you have interest or wish to learn more about the group in Raleigh, contact Dr. Lee Marcus at marcus@med.unc.edu. If you have interest or wish to learn more about the group in Chapel Hill, contact Dr. Elif Merkler at merkler@med.unc.edu.
Middle School Group
This group is intended for children transitioning to middle school in the fall who have had contact with staff at the Clinic and who are able to participate in a group. These groups are typically run during the summer months and address topics such as anxiety about the transition, bullying, friendships, homework, organization, and cliques. Please contact Linda Varblow (919)966-4756 if you have questions about the group or would like more information.
Girl’s Book Club
This group is intended for teen girls in high school who are able to read and discuss teenage literature in a small group format. This recreational book club is designed to increase social opportunities while discussing books of interest in a social setting. The group meets monthly outside of the clinic (e.g., restaurant, mall). Participation is limited and enrollment is through referral by a TEACCH staff member only. If you have interest or wish to learn more about the group, please contact Jennifer Mathys at (919)966-4693.
Sexuality Class
This class series is intended for pre-adolescent and adolescent children, as well as for adults. Classes are grouped by age and reading level of the participants who must be able to participate in a small group format. Classes meet weekly, include parent participation, and range in length from 45-60 minutes. Class content may include social relationships, body image and self esteem, physiological experiences, sexual intimacy, importance of contraception, dating relationships and friendships, gender identity and sexual preferences, couples and commitment in relationships, and partner expectations. If you have interest or wish to learn more about the group, please contact Elizabeth Byars at (919)966-4826 or Elif Merkler at (919)843-3528.
