Social Skills Groups

Behavioral Learning Center, Inc. offers several age-appropriate social skills groups that are built upon empirically researched curriculums. Serving clients in Santa Clarita, Palmdale, Sherman Oaks, Pasadena, Agoura Hills and Denver, Colorado, we offer on-site and telehealth services to improve the socialization skills for children and young adults with special needs.

Groups are designed to provide children and young adults with the tools to build and maintain meaningful relationships with similarly aged peers. Social Skills Groups teach essential friendship-building skills with an emphasis on social thinking and perspective taking, and the ability to adapt one’s behavior to match the surroundings.

Social Skills Groups

How to Help a Child with Autism Develop Social Skills

Our social skills groups are beneficial everyone, regardless of their diagnosis.

However, we understand individuals with autism have specific needs. BLC’s facilitators help clients develop social skills by designing group activities and lessons that specifically address their needs.

Below are some of the common challenges for individuals with autism:

  • Avoidance of eye contact    
  • Lack of communication skills
  • Resistance to change         
  • Initiating play with peers
  • Taking turns in conversation
  • Appropriate social distance

How does the Program Work?

Social Skills Groups are designed for individuals ages 5 and up. Groups meet once per week with peers who are similar in age and skill level. Sessions are broken down into various components: semi-structured group game and/or conversation, review of previous session, structured lesson with introduction of skill, role-play or creative game to practice the skill, and social time.

We have trained professionals with experience working in the field of education and psychology that facilitate groups, using research-based strategies to ensure social and emotional success, including creative games that make learning interactive and fun!

Topics Covered:

Social Skills Groups teach essential friendship making tools, such as effective communication, initiating play and problem-solving skills. Topics covered in session include, but are not limited to:

  • Assertiveness
  • Regulating Emotions
  • Greetings
  • Nonverbal Cues
  • Bullying
  • Conversations Skills
  • Appropriate Use of Social Media
  • Teamwork
  • Sportsmanship
  • Empathy
  • Eye Contact
  • And much more!

Groups Offered:

  • Foundational Skills
    Basic skills of greetings/farewells, listening, following group instruction and turn-taking this group will provide social opportunities for structured play with peers.
  • Elementary School Aged
    Building upon foundational social skills, we introduced skills such as personal space, eye-contact, social conversations, initiating/maintaining play, and sportsmanship.
  • Middle School Aged
    Building upon the skills referenced above, we introduce initiating/sustaining conversations, appropriate use of humor, assertiveness, adaptability and flexible thinking.
  • High School Aged
    Focusing on all targeted skills mentioned above, in addition to reading nonverbal cues, conflict resolution strategies, dealing with rumors/gossip, self-monitoring, & rejection.
  • Adult (18 years - 22 years)
    This group targets all facets of social interactions, handling disagreements, electronic communication, & choosing positive social circles.
  • Human Sexuality (18 years - 22 years)
    Upon successfully completing the social skills program, young adults are eligible to join this group focused on dating, relationships, anatomy, safe-sex and gender stereotypes. Parental consent required.

Methods of Payment

  • Regional Center
  • Private Pay
  • Private Insurance
  • Medi-Cal
  • Medicaid

Request Services

If you are interested in receiving therapy services, please complete our form. We will respond to you shortly. Thank you!