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Social Skills Training Groups

Children with social needs have difficulty understanding their emotions, recognizing social cues and peer norms, and developing friendships. Even if a child is motivated to have friends and to fit in, awkward or inappropriate social behavior can deprive him or her of peer relationships. This can result in being bullied, socially isolated, and anxious. Social situations can become a stressful experience for the child, as well as for family members, peers, and teachers. Family Compass� Social Skills Training Group is a 50-minute weekly group comprised of 4 to 5 children of similar strengths and needs. Video analysis and role-play are often used as teaching tools. Key elements of the training include:

• Friendship management (cooperative play, getting along with others)
• Self awareness (recognizing and labeling one�s emotions, body language, defining personal strengths and interests)
• Social awareness (social cues, norms, and impact of behavior on others)
• Conversational skills (personal boundaries, reciprical communication)

Careful attention is given to children to help them feel emotionally safe and supported. The group leader�s first priority is to create a spirit of emotional cooperation and warmth in her relationships with the children and in the relationships between the children themselves. We recognize that change occurs once kids are receptive to feedback and willing to take the emotional risks required in order to improve.

Participants should possess basic verbal communication skills, as an emphasis of social skills training is on verbal exchanges with a peer. Parents should be prepared to take an active role, as their involvement is critical to help their child implement new skills and strategies into their everyday interactions. Individual sessions, school observation and consultation, and social outings conducted in the community are additional services employed to meet the needs of each child.

The social skills program coordinator is Karla Fife, LCSW, BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst). Karla has experience working with children on the autistic spectrum, ADD/ADHD, emotional disabilities, social skill deficits, and mental retardation. She has provided individual and group therapy in home, school and residential settings. Karla has been running the Family Compass social skills program since February of 2006 (see Staff Page for full bio).