Social Skills Groups

At Leading Edge Behavior Solutions, our approach to social skills groups emphasizes real-life scenarios and practical social norms to foster authentic growth in communication, interaction, and independence. Our groups go beyond traditional role-playing, offering a structured environment where clients can learn, practice, and generalize essential social skills, preparing them for the social nuances of daily life.

 

Key Components of Our Social Skills Groups:

 

Real-Life Scenarios: We incorporate a range of everyday situations directly into sessions, allowing clients to practice social norms and skills they may encounter daily. For example:

Texting and Digital Communication: Clients learn appropriate texting etiquette, such as using clear language, responding within a reasonable time, understanding tone in messages, and recognizing when texting may not be suitable (like during in-person conversations).

Conversation Skills: We simulate settings such as lunch breaks or group activities, where clients practice joining conversations, maintaining eye contact, understanding social cues, and balancing listening with contributing. We also cover non-verbal cues, like nodding to show understanding, and timing pauses to avoid interruptions.

Cooking Experiences: During cooking sessions, clients work collaboratively to follow a recipe, communicate roles, ask for help, and navigate disagreements over shared tasks. This teaches responsibility, patience, and cooperation, mirroring real-life cooking and dining experiences with friends or family.

Peer Interaction and Group Dynamics: Our groups are composed of peers with similar goals and developmental levels, creating a supportive environment where clients can learn from each other. Through role-play and facilitated discussions, clients practice essential skills, such as inviting others to join activities or recognizing when someone is not interested, which are key for respectful peer interactions.

Skill-Building Through Evidence-Based Strategies: Using evidence-based techniques rooted in applied behavior analysis (ABA), we guide clients in applying skills to realistic settings, such as:

Phone and Video Etiquette: Practicing appropriate ways to start and end calls, interpreting tone of voice, and understanding boundaries, such as when it’s polite to call versus text.

Problem-Solving and Conflict Resolution: In group scenarios, like organizing a game or planning a shared activity, clients learn to navigate disagreements respectfully and compromise effectively, reinforcing cooperation and self-advocacy.

Tailored to Individual and Group Needs: Each group session is designed to address the specific goals and needs of its members. For instance, if a client struggles with interpreting social cues, we may integrate more nuanced scenarios, like identifying when someone needs space or reading body language in group discussions.

Collaborative Communication with Families: To reinforce these skills outside of sessions, we provide families with insights into the social norms addressed and practical strategies to support these at home. This might include suggestions for practicing social skills during family meals or engaging in group activities that allow clients to apply what they’ve learned.

 

At Leading Edge, our social skills groups empower clients to navigate the complexities of communication, peer relationships, and everyday tasks, building independence, confidence, and positive relationships that enrich their quality of life.