Social Skill Groups

KidsLink offers a wide range of social skill development groups for children and young adults with autism spectrum and related disorders. Group offerings are available for a wide range of ability levels, communication levels and ages. Read below to choose a Social Skill Group that is right for your child.

Grade School age children

SUCCESS Club - The SUCCESS club is a psychology-based social skill group for children with Asperger Disorder or high functioning autism. It is a therapeutic program designed to teach specific social skills, followed by group opportunities to allow practice of those skills. To benefit from this group, the participant should be in a regular education curriculum with age-appropriate verbal skills.

Social Communication Groups - The social communication groups are therapeutic social skill groups offered by speech therapy. They are designed to teach social skills, as well as to improve conversation skills. Children with a language delay or significant pragmatic language disorder will benefit most from this group. Functional language is required for appropriate participation. Children are pre-screened by a speech therapist to be matched with peers at a similar communication level, for maximum benefit to the child. See brochures for summer Session 1, Session 2, Session 3.

Teens

Teen Group - Teen group is a psychology-based social group for teens with Asperger Disorder or high-functioning autism. Teens are able to discuss issues and social situations that they encounter at school and learn to problem-solve together in a therapeutic setting. Community activities are provided which help to allow practice of social skills in a natural setting. To benefit from this program, participants should be in a regular education curriculum with age-appropriate verbal skills.

Friday Night Fun - This is a recreational group activity for teens with Asperger Disorder or high-functioning autism. Teens go "out on the town" for a variety of fun, recreational activities. Our intervention specialist and another KidsLink staff member accompany the group on monthly outings. The activities encourage friendship and independence. Many of the activities are in crowded or loud environments. This is not an appropriate activity for teens with significant sensory aversions.

Young Adults

Young Adult Group - This is a psychology-based social group for young adults with Asperger disorder, high functioning autism, or related disabilities. Participants discuss many issues, including independence, community work, and transition to adulthood. Community activities are provided to promote ongoing social skill practice and to develop lasting friendships. Participants should have graduated from high school and should have age-appropriate social skills for maximal benefit.

Anxiety and Depression

CALM Kids - CALM kids is a special therapeutic group for children and teens with anxiety and depression. The curriculum is led by a psychologist and uses a cognitive behavioral approach to treatment. Participants will learn and practice strategies for anxiety and depression management and will develop a peer support network.