Acupuncture
A gentle, skilled practitioner applies five-element acupuncture with emphasis on treating the client’s mind and spirit in a serene environment.
Belly Dancing
Belly dance, also referred to as Arabic dance, is an expressionist type of dance that originated in Egypt and that emphasizes complex movements of the torso. It has evolved to take many different forms depending on the country and region, both in costume and dance style.
Big Hug Boutique
Work experience tailored to your needs and specifications.
Bird Watching/Nature Experiences
Enjoy the great outdoors and learn about birds and nature with guides from the Audubon Society.
Chiropractic Care
Dr. Taylor Maclean provides chiropractic adjustments the first Saturday of the month.
Craniosacral Therapy
Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle hands-on technique that uses a light touch to examine membranes and movement of the fluids in and around the central nervous system. Relieving tension in the central nervous system promotes a feeling of well-being by eliminating pain and boosting health and immunity.
Crochet Club
It’s a weekly stitch and chat even if you’ve never picked up a crochet hook before. Emily or Macy are happy to instruct or just stitch with you.
Davis’ Dance Party
Come dance with Davis or just listen to some cool tunes if that’s your vibe.
Dental Screenings
Gentle and kind Dr. Charlie Page checks your mouth for the usual suspects and will refer out for anything that he can’t handle in the AAASD setting.
Dry Brushing
Dry brushing is beneficial for general sensory dysregulation, tactile sensitivity, calming and general exfoliation.
Educational Navigation
Five-week course with Mary Parker of Goodwill who will help you figure out your dream job and how to get it.
Financial Wellness
Once a year the good folks at First Bank offer a six session course on everything from general banking to dealing with a financial crisis.
Foot Rubs
Trinity Johnson offers two, half hour spots a week and rubs your tootsies until you float off to LaLa Land.
For the Love of Art with Denise
Artist and former art teacher Denise Fosco chooses various projects every week using the healing power of creative expression to bring joy to people of all ages.
Friends Group
The group strives to improve social-relatedness and self regulation through games, food prep, art and talk. This group is by invitation only. Please check with Michele before attending.
Game Day
RPGs like D&D played here at Arms Around ASD.
Gardening
How’s it Growing? offers participants the opportunity to get their hands dirty and learn to grow their own food and herbs in our indoor garden. No experience or tools needed. Just bring your enthusiasm and love of the earth.
Hula
These family-friendly Hula classes taught by native Hawaiian Haunani “Nani” Orsillo will get you up, out the door and moving. It’s Polynesian dance for all ages and all abilities.
Jyorei
Also spelled Johrei, is a type of energy work that focuses on healing spiritual or physical ailments.
Karaoke with Ryan
So, you think you can sing? Of course you can! Show your friends what ya got!
LGBTQ+ Therapy Consultations
John Avery (he/they) listens to what you need and makes referrals based on your needs.
Massage Therapy or Instruction
Professional massage therapists provide massage for the entire family and instruct care givers in massage techniques to enable them to provide therapy at home.
Meditation
Guided Open Heart meditation with Catherine Faherty. No meditation experience necessary.
Mindfulness
Decrease your levels of anxiety with the help of mindfulness exercises such as muscle tension awareness and relaxation, affirmations for soothing your nervous system, and tools for quieting your stress inducing thoughts.
Move Your Body
This dance/movement class created by Cynthia Greenfield celebrates every age, body and ability. With a fantastic playlist and lots of props, Cynthia gives prompts but encourages everyone to “do their own thing” making MYB a joyful and exuberant experience.
Naturopath
Half-hour consultations with Naturopath Dr. Janet Opila-Lehman who specializes in autism.
Nurse Practitioner
April Thomas,NP, is available to check your blood pressure and answer questions you might have about any number of health-related issues.
Pampering (Facials and Fairy Hair & Nails)
Esthetician Mindy provides a spa experience with a one hour facial which can include steam, exfoliation, creams, lotions and massage.
Coming in January, Fairy Hair and nails by Kim.
Pet Therapy
Guest pets spread the love right here in the office. Pet therapy can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It can also increase self-esteem and improve social skills.
Reflexology
At Arms Around ASD, reflexology is offered for relaxation and pampering. Jan Elingburg will hit all of your pressure points. It’s a little bit of heaven right at the Asheville Mall.
Reiki
A gentle and restorative energy technique that can be used for stress reduction or to support general well-being. The intention behind reiki is to raise the level of life force energy by bringing care and attention to the energy centers of the body as well as places in the body that can benefit from additional attention.
Relationship Coaching
Group sessions to work on any kind of relationship you might be looking for a bit of help with relationship coach Amber Lavin.
Seasonal Story Time
Jaime Sanborn, former school librarian, brings her more adult take on story telling, making it accessible for all.
Somatic Experiencing
Ranpreet works with the autism community to support clients who are constantly feeling anxious and overwhelmed due to sensory overstimulation in a neurotypical world. These hour long individual sessions will consist of teaching grounding tools and a basic skill set for self-regulation, while helping you to release trauma and activation from the body. Some sessions may include the option for gentle, fully clothed SE touch work for support and integration..
Stop-Motion Animation Creation
By the end of the workshop, the participant will create a very short stop-action animation film. Sessions will focus on identifying short and long-term goals, working memory and planning, organizational skills and breaking the project down into manageable pieces. See Student Gallery.
Supportive Counseling
Clearly structured individual and relationship conversational counseling with the focus on current problems and practical solutions.
Tai Chi-Qigong
Tai Chi/Qigong with Todd Jensen is a great introduction to martial arts at a much gentler pace. The group will be taken through a series of techniques designed to promote relaxation and focus, build internal energy or life force (qi, ki, prana, etc.) and hone executive functioning skills.
Teen Group
Denise will be hosting Teen Group until ATU is back on its feet again.
Transitions Navigator
Wondering what comes after high school? Gretchen will help you figure out what your next steps are.
Yoga & Chair Yoga
Each class will have gentle warm-ups, breath work, and a visualization/relaxation.
Zumba Gold
Zumba involves dance and aerobic movements performed to energetic music. The choreography incorporates hip-hop, soca, samba, salsa, merengue and mambo. The “gold” makes accommodations for individual needs. Fun for everyone.
We Also Host
Arms Around ASD hosts programming for other groups as well. Autistic Adults United and Autistic Teens United meet at the mall. AAU is hosted by Susan Plemmons and ATU is hosted by Denise Fosco, until Danny gets back. ASNC’s Claire McCullouch’s Social Skills Games group also meets in the mall.