No one said making friends was easy.

DOES MY CHILD NEED HELP WITH SOCIAL SKILLS?

Is your child struggling with making or keeping friends? Have you observed them trying their best, but engaging in socially inappropriate behavior? Do they have difficulty with conversation, expressing their needs, or cooperating with others? Have you noticed any signs of bullying or peer rejection? Are you feeling lost, overwhelmed, or unsure how to help?

Recess. Cafeteria. Playgrounds. Free time.

For some children, these settings provide opportunities to unwind, have fun, and make friends. But for children who have difficulty with socialization or self-regulation, these places can be stressful, scary, overwhelming, and a host for feelings of failure. Inadequate social skills and unsuccessful social experiences can result in poor self-esteem, isolation, and peer alienation. Social skills are not always intrinsic…but the good news is they can be learned.

Play It ForWords Therapy Social Skills groups provide the optimal environment for social skill development. In a warm, casual and supportive setting, children interact under the watchful guidance of Amy Giesler, LCSW, RPT. Here, the building blocks of successful socialization will be developed.

Each week, the 45 minute group will begin with a “Get to Know You Circle.” Children will practice pragmatic language skills while learning about each other and sharing about themselves. Emphasis will be placed on respecting differences and appreciating diversity. A new skill or topic will be introduced and taught. Skills presented will be based upon assessment and needs of the group. Areas addressed may include:

• Maintaining eye contact

• Conversation and listening skills, including understanding of verbal and non-verbal cues.

• Behavior and self-management skills

• Emotion identification, expression, and regulation skills

• Play skills

The skill taught will then be reinforced through a fun, hands on activity to ensure that the child has learned and understands the skill. Lastly, each group will have a 15 minute facilitated experiential play session. During this time, children will participate in a variety of therapist-led or child-led play activities. Types of play may include free play, constructive play, creative play, or structured play. The therapist will incorporate purposeful play scenarios, which are actually interventions that will support the development of core social skills that may include:

• Collaboration

• Expressing feelings, needs, and desires

• Taking turns

• Problem solving

• Following directions

• Negotiating

• Resolving conflicts

• Giving and receiving compliments

Play it ForWords Therapy Social Skills groups are appropriate for both neurotypical and neurodivergent children ages 3-10 who could use a little help making friends and dealing with feelings. We offer a safe, fun, supportive and judgement free environment for children to learn the fundamental skills that will allow them to be more socially successful and feel good about themselves.