How is your program different from other social groups?

At Speaking of Social, I use my experience and training in the Social Thinking® Methodology developed by Michelle Garcia Winner to guide my sessions. I do not teach scripts or behaviors to memorize, rather I help my clients develop the underlying skills needed to socially problem solve.  My 25 years experience as a school based SLP also provides me with perspective of the expectations for children/teens in school. I use my expertise in communication and language development to help adjust my lessons “in the moment”.  

Is this a friendship group?

The goal of the groups is to support developing the social competencies needed to help grow and maintain relationships outside of the group.  Groups are not created with the intention of the members becoming “friends”.

What other methods do you use?

Although I focus on utilizing the  Social Thinking® Methodology, I combine it with my experience as an SLP and draw from a number of other techniques as needed.  I have also completed training in Zones, Conscious Discipline, Scerts, Relationship Development Intervention (RDI), Ziggurat Model as well as other training for issues such as executive functioning and anxiety. 

What is your initial intake process?

Ideally the intake process occurs in person however if scheduling is an issue, the process can be completed over the phone.  When creating social thinking groups, it is important for me to meet new clients to get a sense of their social skill level so that I can create groups of similar skill sets.  The goal is not to complete a formal assessment per se but to use the time to get to know your child to help develop a plan to target specific needs.  We can use this time to see if it would be more appropriate to start with individual or group sessions depending on need.

How do you group and what is the size?

Groups are not based on diagnosis but rather I use the clients age and social skill set level determined in the intake process. In order for clients to be active members in the group, an ideal group would have 2-4 members.

When can I see change?

It’s important to know social learning is a slow process and takes time to develop.  The social process needs to be broken down so that clients can learn about how the social world works as well as helping them to navigate it. Our social world is constantly evolving and changing as we grow and so individuals typically need help along the way.

Do you accept Insurance?

Unfortunately health insurance is not accepted at this time and I have a private pay set up through my billing system. However, I can provide families with a receipt of service including a treatment and diagnostic (if any) code that can be submitted to insurance companies for possible reimbursement.