Social Skills

Social skills are important for building family relationships, making friends and learning.  Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder can develop social skills but they often need help in learning how to act and react in different social situations.  At SBSLG, we believe that individuals on the Autism Spectrum have a desire to interact with others, they do however often lack the ability to interact with friends or may be overwhelmed and dis-abled with sensory experiences or the anxiety around new and unpredictable situations.

The benefits of learning social skills are endless.  With practice you not only interact with family and peers more effectively but you can build participation in social events with peers, with family and in the community.  We want outcomes like play dates, sleepovers, family vacations, friends and social experiences.  Learning the rules, customs, and abilities that guide interaction with other people can change a student’s life forever.

Social skill development for people with an Autism Spectrum Disorder often involves direct and explicit instruction and ‘teachable moments’ in real life experiences.

The Children’s Friendship Training Program

The Children’s Friendship Training program at SBS Foundations is an evidence-based social skills intervention program for children 4-7 years of age who have trouble making or keeping friends.  Your child may have just a few friends or no friends.  They may be bossy or shy, have trouble sharing or have difficulty with solving conflicts.  They may be ignored or bullied. 

During each small group, your child will learn a new skill and practice it with other group members.  Children are given weekly assignments to help them apply these new skills in their daily lives.  Parents also learn how to support their child’s social development, acting as a coach in their child’s social lives.  

SBSLG Team Members

Parent(s)

Child

Behavior Therapist

Clinical Supervisor/BCBA

Psychologist

Who is this program for?

4-7 year olds

Children who have a diagnosis of ASD or who would benefit from small group instruction

Families that live within a 30 km radius of 1 Regan Road, Brampton (Vankirk & Bovaird)

Service Includes:

Individual Assessment & Program

Small group intervention sessions in-centre

Parent/guardian support and training

Your child will learn these skills and more!

  • good first impressions
  • resolving conflicts
  • playing fairly
  • talking with other children
  • finding common interests
  • joining other children playing

The PEERS Social Skills Group for Adolescents

The PEERS for Adolescents is an evidence-based social skills intervention for motivated teens in middle and high school who are interested in making and keeping friends and/or handling conflict and rejection.  At SBS Foundations we tailor the program for pre-teens.  Teens and parents attend 16 weekly group sessions for 90 minutes per week.  This program is offered in centre and virtually.  Social skills are taught through a combination of didactic lessons and role-play scenarios.  They practice in the group and once home.  Parent participation is required and teens must be willing to participate and attend the program.  

SBSLG Team Members

Parent(s)

Child

Behavior Therapist

Clinical Supervisor/BCBA

Psychologist

Who is this program for?

11-13 year olds

Children who have a diagnosis of ASD or who would benefit from small group instruction

Families that live within a 30 km radius of 1 Regan Road, Brampton (Vankirk & Bovaird) or anywhere in Ontario when offered virtually

Service Includes:

Individual Assessment & Program

Small group intervention sessions in-centre

Parent/guardian support and training

Your teen will learn these skills and more!

  • developing and keeping friendships
  • conversation skills
  • electronic communication
  • use of humor
  • being a good sport
  • handling disagreements
  • changing a bad reputation
  • organizing get togethers

Let's Learn Together!

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