Social Skills Instruction

Our Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach

Spectrum’s social skills groups provide welcoming, interest-based opportunities for participants to build connection, confidence, self-advocacy, and practical communication strategies. We recognize that people communicate, interact, and process social information in different ways. Our goal is not to change who participants are, but to help them develop skills and strategies that support their personally meaningful goals.

Supportive, Engaging Social Learning

We combine structured instruction with interactive activities and real-world practice. Sessions are designed to make social learning engaging, personalized, and low-pressure while respecting each participant’s communication style, comfort level, interests, and individual pace.

Our multidisciplinary approach incorporates strengths-based instruction, cognitive and behavioral strategies, recreation, education, counseling, and communication support. Strategies are individualized, collaborative, and centered on each participant’s autonomy, comfort, and personally meaningful goals.

Group and Individual Offerings

School-Age Groups — Grades 1–12

• One-hour weekly sessions focused on practical social experiences
• Small groups formed with consideration for participants’ ages, interests, communication styles, and goals
• Engaging activities that support connection, confidence, collaboration, and self-advocacy

Adult Groups — Ages 18 and Older

• Support for social connection in employment, education, relationships, and daily life
• A combination of facilitated instruction, shared activities, and community-based experiences
• Flexible one- or two-hour group formats based on program goals

Transition to Adulthood — Ages 18–22

• Support during the transition from high school to college, employment, and greater independence
• Practical instruction in social communication, organization, self-advocacy, and daily living skills
• Opportunities to explore personal goals and develop strategies for adult life

Personalized Coaching

• Individualized support for participants who may benefit from an alternative to a traditional group
• Available through one-to-one coaching or small-group formats such as dyads and triads
• Adapted to each participant’s strengths, needs, preferences, and personally meaningful goals

What to Expect

• Groups are thoughtfully formed based on age, shared interests, communication styles, support needs, and goals
• Each group follows a flexible curriculum tailored to its participants
• Skills are practiced through engaging activities, guided discussion, collaboration, and real-world experiences
• Groups average approximately six participants and are typically supported by at least two facilitators
• Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and placement depends on the availability of an appropriate group match

Join Our Community

We welcome individuals of all abilities, identities, and backgrounds to apply. Our goal is to create an inclusive and empowering environment where every participant feels respected, valued, and supported.