This engaging and transformative 8-week course is meticulously designed for teens with autism, anxiety, and ADHD, aiming to enhance their social skills and understanding in a supportive and interactive environment. Each 30-minute weekly session is a step forward in our journey to mastering social interactions, recognizing social cues, and building meaningful friendships, all within a group setting that ensures personal attention and a shared learning experience. Our approach is rooted in evidence-based methods proven to foster social competence, reduce feelings of isolation, and mitigate the challenges associated with school and social interactions.
Weekly Curriculum Overview:

Week 1: Introduction to Social Interactions

    Focus on the basics of social engagement: how to greet someone, the art of starting conversations, and the importance of first impressions. The session includes practical exercises to apply these concepts in real-time.

Week 2: Deepening Conversations

    Building on our foundation, we'll explore how to maintain engaging conversations, delve into active listening, and practice how to show genuine interest in others' thoughts and feelings.

Week 3: Understanding Social Cues

    An in-depth look at verbal and non-verbal communication cues, such as interpreting facial expressions and body language, to better understand and respond to the emotions and intentions of others.

Week 4: Navigating Social Norms

    Learn to distinguish between expected and unexpected behaviours in various settings, enhancing awareness of social norms and appropriateness, which is crucial for forming positive social relationships.

Week 5: Emotion Regulation and Self-control

    Techniques and strategies for managing emotions and exercising self-control, crucial skills for handling social interactions positively and effectively.

Week 6: Conflict Resolution

    Strategies for identifying, addressing, and resolving conflicts in a constructive manner, fostering resilience and understanding in challenging situations.

Week 7: Building and Recognizing Friendships

    Identifying the qualities of a good friend and understanding the dynamics of friendship, including how to be a supportive and trustworthy friend.

Week 8: Course Wrap-Up and Reflection

    A comprehensive review of the skills learned, with an emphasis on integrating these into daily life. This final session celebrates progress and sets the stage for continued social growth beyond the course.

Teaching Methodology:

Our class structure is dynamic, combining direct instruction with interactive and engaging teaching methods. We utilize a blend of instructional tools—without relying on specific game names—to cater to various learning styles. This includes thoughtfully crafted lectures, visually appealing presentations, and carefully selected video clips to illustrate key points vividly.

Learners will benefit from an immersive learning experience, where interaction is at the heart of the process. Through guided practice and conversation exercises, participants will have ample opportunity to practice newly learned skills in a real-world context, fostering a supportive community among peers. Our focus on interaction encourages not just learning from the instructor but also from each other, creating a rich tapestry of shared experiences and insights.

This course is expressly designed to be a learning journey, not therapy, providing teens with the tools and confidence needed to navigate the complex world of social interactions. Our goal is to empower participants to emerge more connected, empathetic, and skilled in the art of communication, ready to build lasting friendships and succeed in social settings.