We provide Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) based social skills groups for multiple ages and ability levels
The groups are designed to promote generalization of targeted skills across people and environments. Generally, this means clients gradually transition from home-based services into social skills groups in order to practice skills in a natural environment outside of home and school. Social programs provide a safe zone of support to navigate social situations and challenges. This results in an increase in confidence and motivation to engage with others. Individuals with strong social skills are more likely to develop relationships, participate in recreational activities, and be more successful as adults. Research has also demonstrated that increased social connectivity helps to combat anxiety and depression.
Groups focus on the following 5 domains:
Social Awareness
- Understanding another person’s perspective
- Understanding social cues
- Understanding social rules
- Gestures
- Inferences
Social Interaction
- Interactive play, sharing, joining play, initiating play
- Responding to initiations & Choosing friends
- Playing games
- Problem solving
- Dealing with teasing, bullying
Social Learning
- Learning through observation of others
- Social Imitation
- Information seeking
- Group affiliation
- Positive vs. negative peer influence
Social Relatedness
- Developing social connection & motivation to interact
- Social referencing
- Joint attention
- Demonstrating empathy
- Developing interest in another person’s preferences, interests, etc.
Social Communication
- Pragmatics
- Conversation skills-initiating, interrupting, changing topics, ending conversations
- Greetings
- Sarcasm, tone of voice
- Giving compliments, feedback, commentin
We utilize curriculum from the Assessment of Functional Living Skills as well as “Social Skills Solutions” by Kelly McKinnon and “Crafting Connections” by Dr. Ron Leaf and Dr. John McEachin, and “The Program for the Enrichment and Education of Relational Skills” (PEERS) by Elizabeth Laugeson.