INFORMATION ON SOCIAL SKILL GROUPS
We see a wide range of children/young people that have abilities all across the board! Most of the children that we see are verbal, however, we do have a few that are nonverbal and use augmentative communication devices. You do NOT need a diagnosis to come to group! We have children who have diagnoses and children that are just quirky and want to sharpen their social skills!
Some of the diagnoses we see and provide interventions for:
● Autism
● ADHD/ADD
● Generalized Anxiety
● Apraxia
● Sensory Integration Disorder
● Gross/Fine motor delays
● Language/communication delays
● Developmental Delays
● Depression
● Trauma
● Oppositional Defiant Disorder
● Social Anxiety
We see kids in groups who are super shy and kids that are social butterflies, but who want to develop empathy! We want all kids to learn and be socially/emotionally confident human beings!
Social Skill Groups PK-5th grade
We believe that children learn through play and with each other! To be able to learn how to engage with others, you need others! Teachers create authentic, developmentally appropriate experiences for 4-6 children in a group setting. Sessions are intentional and individual based on the needs of the children in the group. We are often asked if we follow a certain curriculum and the answer is no. We use a wide variety of methods to directly teach children specific concepts based on their needs and then have them practice while we coach, providing feedback when appropriate. The other children in the group also provide them feedback as children practice appropriate ways to engage/play, communicate, and regulate their emotions with each other. We use Conscious Discipline, Social Thinking, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, demonstrations/models, visuals and much more! We are not a “one method fits all” practice! Each child learns differently and we work diligently over time to create experiences for them with peers that takes them from where they are at now to experiencing “wins” in social situations! Example of Targeted skills taught, practiced, and coached in these groups:
● Play skills (purposeful play, parallel, collaborative)
● Joint attention
● Turn Taking
● Language(around a set of props/activities/games)
● Greetings/Departures
● Communication(to meet needs of self and with others)
● Conversational skills
● Identifying Emotions in others/self and Expressing them safely
● Regulating Emotions
● Friendship Skills
● Self advocacy
● Waiting/Accepting no/cognitive flexibility
● Perspective
● Understanding, interpreting, and responding appropriately to social cues from others
● And much more!
Middle School Social Skill Group (grades 6 and 7)
Entering into midde school and adolescence is a time of transition that brings excitement but also confusion and anxiety! This group is tailored for those young middle schoolers who are learning how to navigate this stage of their life! Areas addressed vary depending on the needs of the group, as we do tailor the skills taught and coached to the needs of the individual child and group! No 2 groups are alike!
Skills are taught in authentic ways through games, role playing, discussions, etc! There will be times where they will go out into the community when they can do so safely depending on current orders in place. THis is so they learn how to engage in their community!!!
Examples of Targeted skills taught, practiced and coached in this group:
● Meeting new people
● Appropriate topics of conversations
● Friendship Skills: Levels of Friendship/engagement in those different levels
● Communication
● Problem solving
● Effort
● Emotional regulation/self care
● Life skills/ediquitte (at home, school, community)
● Making plans
● Internet safety/phone expectations
● Bullying
● Expected/unexpected behaviors in a variety of settings
● And much more!
High School Social Skill Group (grades 8-11)
In this older teen group, we continue to explore and practice the skills listed above, but also have a space to discuss topics that are more geared for older teens. This group will also go out in the community as it is safe to do so to practice these skills with a group of their peers!
Examples of Targeted skills taught practiced and coached in this group:
● Self care
● Management of responsibilities
● Peer pressure and how to respond
● Bullying
● Problem solving
● Goal Setting (short term/long term)
● Job skills as appropriate
● Engagement with peers appropriately and safely
● And Much more!
Young Adult Social Skills/Life Skills Group (Seniors in HS-21yo)
Small group of young adults navigating this next chapter in their lives together! In this small group of 4-6 young people, we will work on social/life skills together in a safe environment, providing them tools needed to grow and mature into independent adults!
We will do this at the Cary location, Farm, and in the community! We believe that direct instruction, paired with coaching with peers in authentic situations and providing feedback in a caring, constructive way! 2x a month on Fridays from 3-4:30pm beginning September 10th at the Cary Location!