In Step | Cathi Cohen

02/10/2026

💗 With Valentine’s Day around the corner, we’re reminded that connection and love look different for everyone 💗
Children with autism spectrum condition may sometimes appear uninterested in social connections, but this is a common misconception. Many autistic children want connection just as much as others - they may simply express it in different ways.
Social interest may not always look like initiating conversation, maintaining eye contact, or engaging in shared play, but different expressions of connection do not mean there is no desire to connect. When this is misunderstood, it can lead to missed opportunities for meaningful relationships and emotional growth.
💬 Social connection can look different.
One way some autistic children express connection is through echolalia, or repeating words and phrases. Echolalia can be a meaningful form of communication used to share emotions, seek connection, or respond to others.
At In Step, we support children in being their authentic selves while building social skills through programs like our Stepping Stones curriculum—at their own pace and in ways that respect who they are.
📞 Call today to schedule an appointment: (703) 876-8480
🌐 Learn more at: https://insteppc.com/

02/05/2026

❄️ As we move through the winter months, seasonal changes can be especially noticeable for children with neurodevelopmental conditions such as ADHD and autism.
During winter, some children may experience seasonal affective symptoms, such as low mood, fatigue, and decreased motivation. Shorter daylight hours can disrupt a child’s internal clock, leading to poorer sleep quality and increased daytime sleepiness. In addition, routine changes - like school days off due to snow ☃️ - can make challenges with attention, planning, and self-regulation feel even harder.
When motivation, energy, and routines are disrupted, children may have more difficulty staying engaged at school, participating in class, and retaining information.
This time of year is a great opportunity to think about what extra supports or accommodations your child may need. At In Step, we support children and families through periods of change and dysregulation with services such as social skills groups, the Stepping Stones curriculum, and individual psychotherapy—helping kids and guardians build tools to navigate challenging moments together. ❄️
📞 Call today to schedule an appointment: (703) 876-8480
🌐 Learn more at: https://insteppc.com/

02/05/2026

Executive function challenges are common in children with neurodevelopmental conditions such as ADHD, autism spectrum condition, and learning differences, and can affect planning, organization, focus, and task initiation - often misunderstood as laziness when children are motivated and eager to succeed.

At In Step, we support children and teens in building these skills through individualized evaluations and evidence-informed social skills programs, such as our Lego Group and Stepping Stones curriculum. By understanding each child’s unique needs, we help them develop confidence, practical strategies, and the tools they need to thrive at home, school, and beyond.

📞 Call today to schedule an appointment: (703) 876-8480
🌐 Learn more at: https://insteppc.com/

01/22/2026

For over 30 years, In Step has worked with individuals and families on their journey toward growth, healing, and meaningful milestones. Through Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Stepping Stones social skills groups, parenting support, and Interpersonal Process Therapy, we provide compassionate care for children, teens, and adults - every step of the way.
At In Step, we meet each client where they are emotionally, psychologically, and developmentally. Our team supports both developmental and psychiatric needs, helping individuals build emotional regulation, coping skills, confidence, and resilience while reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and more.
📞 Call today to schedule an appointment: (703) 876-8480
🌐 Learn more at: https://insteppc.com/

01/13/2026

Mindfulness is an evidence-based therapeutic practice used to both prevent and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and to support a wide range of clinical populations. It involves intentionally focusing on the present moment with openness and without judgment, helping individuals become more aware of their thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations without becoming overwhelmed by them. By fostering nonjudgmental awareness, mindfulness can reduce rumination and promote emotional regulation.

At In Step, one of the primary therapeutic approaches our clinicians use with teens and adults is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). DBT helps individuals cope with intense emotions and navigate life’s challenges more effectively. A core part of DBT is mindfulness, which teaches individuals how to observe their thoughts and feelings without judgment—supporting better emotional regulation, increased distress tolerance, and improved impulse control so they can feel more grounded in their daily lives.

Call today to request an appointment: (703) 876-8480

Visit our website: https://insteppc.com/

11/24/2025

Now more than ever it is critical to check sources to insure accuracy and scientific integrity.

Recent updates to the CDC website suggesting a link between vaccines and autism contradict the scientific consensus that autism has complex, multifactorial origins involving genetic, biological, and environmental interactions.

APA Services is committed to advocating for policies and research priorities that uphold rigorous standards for research and communication and actively counter misinformation and stigma.

Read more here: https://at.apa.org/ayg

09/04/2025

Hope to see more of these!

The unique neuro-inclusive housing project is a public/private partnership between a parent-led nonprofit and a university autism center that will offer on-site support services in a walkable community.

07/24/2025

Saying Sorry! It is harder than we realize. Here are some tips to help.

Apologizing is not easy—even for adults. Learning to apologize means holding the awareness of two things simultaneously— the experience of the person we hurt

06/24/2025

Is my child struggling with undiagnosed anxiety and what can I do to help?

If you visit her at home you would never guess that Sarah has Selective Mutism. She’s bubbly and talkative and interacts with her siblings and parents like any other five-year-old. But as soon as…

06/17/2025

A way to reframe fears & manage anxiety. How our groups help kids practice skills.

When we talk to parents about the work we do in group, and individually, they often ask us what we are doing specifically to help their child cope with the struggles they face everyday.

06/12/2025

Self-doubt as a parent? It comes with the territory. If this sounds familiar, take heart.

Do you feel guilty about the way you parent? Do you constantly ask yourself questions like, “Why can’t I handle my child’s behavior differently?”, “What am I doing wrong that my child behaves like…

06/05/2025

Making sense of IEP's!