You’ve been told you or your child may benefit from a “social skills” or social communication group? Now what? Social communication groups are a chance for children and teens to learn and practice relating to others and using communication in social settings. Many avenues are available to find a group—so how do you select the right one for your child? Not all groups are created equal. Consider these four rules when finding a group that is fun, effective and beneficial.
If I’m being honest—I rarely use the term “social skills.” To me, a skill implies something you learn once, memorize it, master it and move on—like tying your shoes or making a great cup of coffee—once you have it figured out, you’re done. Communication is different. It can be unpredictable, wild and sometimes messy. When communicating or interacting with others things are always changing—your mood, who you talk to, where, when why you communicate.
A social communication group considers these ever changing dynamics. It can grow with the group and with your child. Now, how do you find the group that is right for you?
1. Is it a match? Groups should be carefully matched by age, skill level, goals, regulation skill and ideally interests! An effective group is made up of peers who are working toward similar goals and all feel comfortable in the group. Look for a group where the clinicians offer interviews and/or consultations. This is an opportunity for you and your child/teen to get a feel for the group or group site and the clinician can get a feel for your child and finding the best match. It isn’t a perfect science but a well matched group will increase buy-in from sometimes hesitant clients and progress over time.
2. Parent education Children and teens are learning many new terms, concepts and ideas. It is important a group offer a time or way to make sure parents understand concepts and their child’s progress. Ideas for generalization should be given. By helping parents understand what is happening in a group and why, I find they are more likely to support home program activities and practice. Parents should be given the opportunity to express concerns and their goals for their child.
3. What happens after group? Children can learn many valuable tools and strategies in a group. However, if those skills do not generalize outside the treatment room, there is something missing. An effective group will focus strategies and activities beyond the treatment room, giving clients and families ways to practice social communication skills at school, in stores, with family and in everyday life.
4. Thoughtful Curriculum Not all social communication groups are equal. There are several fantastic curriculums to integrate into a social communication group. Michelle Garcia Winner’s Social Thinking (www.socialthinking.com) is one popular option. Great research and activities have recently come out using improvisation based activities in social communication skills such as the “Act As If Curriculum (www.actasifproducts.com). Effective programs will pull from several research based sources. Keep in mind, a thoughtful curriculum should also be flexibile. As a clinician, I’ve had days where I’ve had a fantastic activity planned but one (or all) of my clients are struggling with another issue or need to focus on a different topic. Those are valuable days, too. A flexible and thoughtful curriculum can meet a group where they need to be.
When looking for groups don’t be afraid to ask these questions. Social communication groups can be a powerful tool for helping children and teens connect with peers addressing similar social communication challenges, gain skills and strategies and feel successful connecting in a social world. Social Communication experts are excited to share about these programs and by taking the time to find the right group you can help your child, teen or young adult continue and strengthen their social communication skills.
For more information, Robin Lurie-Meyerkopf, M.Ed. wrote a great article on this topic for the Autism/Aspergers Network. Check it out here: https://www.aane.org/choose-social-skills-group-child/
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