Socially Speaking Plus are language-based groups which focus on teaching children a variety of social communication skills for academic and interpersonal success. Many children with developmental disabilities, such as Autism Spectrum Disorders, have problems learning the complex “rules” of social interaction. A growing body of research has found a strong link between weak language processing and weak social skills. Deficits in Theory of Mind or "social thinking" has also been well documented. Drawing from these areas, our research-based program combines language components including syntax (the rules of language - verbs, nouns, etc.), semantics (the meaning behind language - vocabulary), and pragmatics (the social use of language) as well as the development of cognitive flexibility (the ability to think of alternatives), listening skills, and perspective taking.
Topics which may be covered, depending upon the needs of the group include, but are not limited to, the following: ·Conversation skills ·Comparing body language and spoken language ·Initiating interactions ·Joining in with peers ·Understanding literal and figurative language ·Predicting what people will say next Socially Speaking Plus programs are available for the following ages:
Preschoolers from 3 to 5:focus on language enrichment, social interaction and listening skills. A developmental approach is utilized to increase awareness of others, foster engagement and encourage problem solving. We use language-based strategies to assist with understanding age appriopriate concepts. Turntaking, interacting, cooperating, attending to an activity and building self-esteem are several goals worked on during these sessions.
School age children (grades 1-8):the aim is to improve the understanding of social situations, social thinking and use of language to develop communication strategies for successful peer interactions and family relationships. Specific areas of concentration include friendship skills, cooperation, self-regulation, and emotion management.
Teenagers/young adults:focuses on teaching communication skills for successful peer relationships, employment, family relations, community participation, post secondary education and residential options. The program includes social thinking, perspective taking and conversation skills. Attention is given to prepare young adults to manage the pressure of social situations in school or on the job. Skills include compromising and negotiating, accepting rejected ideas, making and maintaining friends, solving problems and communicating effectively.
Groups meet weekly. For maximum effectiveness, groups are limited in number depending on age level. Each weekly session is 60 minutes; 50 minutes of this time is directly spent working with children. The remaining 10 minutes are spent with parents teaching the skills and concepts explored in the group on that day. Sessions are led by a highly trained team including at least one Pompton Speech Plus LLC director as well as an additional certified therapist. Our consultant team includes speech/language therapists, social workers, occupational therapists, and behavior analysts. Before a new group begins, children are evaluated in order to ensure the best match of abilities, age and personalities. Typically, potential students are invited to attend a group "trial" session. This provides the therapist with the opportunity to informally assess the child's social language skills and his/her interaction with the group. Please note that the "trial" session may or may not be the group to which your child will be assigned. At the conclusion of the "trial" session, the therapist will meet with the parent(s) to discuss findings and recommended placement.
We then tailor goals to the needs of each individual in each social skills group. Social skills are addressed in a sequential manner, which are modified to meet the needs of each child. New skills, once learned, are continually reinforced in all situations to promote mastery. Generalization is encouraged through the use of naturalistic opportunities to utilize new skills.
Contact us at 973-641-6745 287 Boulevard, Pompton Plains, NJ