Parents attend too
Group Support for Kids
Some children do their best learning alongside peers. Our guided group gives kids a supportive place to build flexibility, problem-solving, and the social and emotional skills that help them connect, with parallel parent sessions so the strategies carry over to home.
Unstuck and On Target®
Unstuck and On Target® is a 10–12 week, evidence-based program that helps children build flexibility skills. It's designed for students ages 8–11 who are on grade level academically, highly verbal, and able to learn in a verbal-based setting. It helps children with autism or ADHD, and any child who tends to get “stuck” or have big feelings when things don't go their way.
In the child group, kids work on compromising, telling a “big deal” from a “little deal,” regulating emotions, and making a Plan B when Plan A falls through. We teach through instruction plus videos, worksheets, crafts, and an obstacle course. While the kids meet, parents have their own group: lectures, role-play, peer and clinical support, and individual goal-setting, so they can use the same strategies at home, from morning routines to homework.
Unstuck and On Target® is a published curriculum developed at Children's National Hospital. Brinkley Psychology uses the curriculum in its groups and is not affiliated with its authors or publisher.
Focused on your question — nothing you don't need
Free phone intake
A well-matched group matters, so we start with a conversation about your goals and the program.
In-office intake
If it looks like a good fit for an upcoming cohort, we schedule a 1-hour intake that both the participating parent and child attend.
10–12 weekly sessions
Flexibility, emotional regulation, and problem-solving taught through games, crafts, videos, and an obstacle course.
Parallel parent group
Lectures, role-play, peer and clinical support, and individual goal-setting while the kids meet.
A multidisciplinary team
Psychology, occupational therapy, and speech-language expertise working together in one group.
Carry-over to home and school
You learn the same strategies your child is learning, so they stick in daily routines. We also provide weekly teacher resources you can send to school.
A child with more flexibility, better tools for big feelings, and stronger peer connections — and parents equipped with the same playbook at home.
Frequently asked questions
What ages is the group for?
The Unstuck and On Target® program is designed for children ages 8–11 who are on grade level and learn well in a verbal-based setting.
Does my child need an autism or ADHD diagnosis to join?
No. The group helps children with autism or ADHD and any child who gets “stuck” or has big reactions when plans change. The phone intake helps us tell whether it's a good fit.
Why do parents attend their own group?
Skills stick when they're reinforced at home. The parallel parent group teaches you the same strategies your child is learning, so you can use them in daily routines.
How do we get started, and do you serve families around Richmond?
We work with families across the Richmond area. Start with a free phone intake — call 804-205-7624 or email mbrinkley@brinkleypsychology.com. Groups meet at 5006 Monument Avenue (Suite B), Richmond, VA 23230.
Not sure where to begin?
Reach out for a brief, free consultation. We’ll talk through what’s going on and figure out the right next step together.