Explorer’s Club Social Skills for Pre-Teens
New Behavioral Network, UncategorizedThe NBN Autism Program
Social Skills for Pre-teens and Teens
The NBN Autism Program offers a variety of experiences for children on the spectrum, regardless of their ages. The groups for pre-teens and teens focus on skills that contribute to greater success in adult life. The Spring 2010 Social Skills Group meets for 6 consecutive weeks and introduces a new topic each week with basic skills practiced and reinforced. Basic skills include, but are not limited to, sharing, engaging in reciprocal conversation, asking and answering questions, recognizing and responding to feelings, and taking turns. The specific topics are as follows:
- Week #1: Making Friends
- Week #2: My Best Skills and Qualities
- Week #3: When I Get Angry
- Week #4: Dealing with Bullies*
- Week #5: Feeling Anxious
- Week #6: The New Me
*This topic may be changed to better meet the needs of the group members; suggestions are Learning to Be Calm, Healthy Behaviors, and Safety First.
Methods/modalities for exploring topics include games, role playing, music, worksheets, conversations, opportunities for creative expression, and gross and fine motor activities. Our staff will provide a safe and supportive environment in which they will guide activities, model appropriate behaviors, facilitate peer interactions, assist individual group members with challenging tasks/behaviors/activities, and modify tasks/activities/behaviors to meet group needs.
General format for each group is:
- ‘Meet and greet’
- Introduction of topic
- Related activity(ies)
- Topic summary
- Closing activity and farewell
The main goals of NBN and our professional staff are to offer programs that build on strengths, support social competencies, and facilitate growth and positive change. We appreciate the opportunity to work with your child and family!
