This class is based on the Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS®), an evidence-based social skills program developed at UCLA for children and teens with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, depression, and other socio-emotional concerns; I am a certified provider of the program. The curriculum centers on short videos of what not to do in different social situations, followed by the successful alternative. I love this approach because there is "safety" in watching the social mistakes, without shame, followed by the social success video.

“Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art…. It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things which give value to survival" CS Lewis

The skills required for friendships may feel overwhelming to some kids. There really is a science and art to making friends, and in this class, complex social skills are broken down into chunks of meaningful, doable steps.
 In this class, learners will practice conversational and social skills with their peers in this weekly meeting. The group will be limited to 10 learners. Participation is expected. The idea is to build connections in a safe learning space with a limited number of peers over an 10 week period to make some new friends! We will also be playing games as time permits.

Detailed handouts will be given with each topic, so you can work on practicing the skills each week. I am available to answer questions and hear about progress in a weekly check in for parents (takes place separately after class)

Week 1 Trading Information
Week 2 Two Way Conversations
Week 3 Electronic Communication
Week 4 Identifying a Peer Group and Get Togethers
Week 5 Appropriate Use of Humor
Week 6 Entering and exiting a Group Conversation
Week 7 Being a Team Player
Week 8 Handling Arguments and Disagreements
Week 9 Handling Rumors and Gossip
Week 10 Handling Bullying: Teasing/Cyber/Physical

 There is no "masking" (ie forced eye contact,  rote-like rehearsed responses to questions, hiding or minimizing personal interests or hiding stimming). This is not about changing who they are at their core, but learning skills to appreciate who they are and building on that.
This class is open to everyone. There does not need to be a diagnosis. Neurotypical kids who need these skills are welcome.