Social interactions can be daunting to anyone. For those on the autism spectrum, simple everyday scenarios can be nearly impossible to get through. Individuals with autism are faced with unique challenges, and often need additional help learning to manage social cues that come more naturally to others. Social skills programming is an excellent way to address these challenges. Eden II’s Diagnostic & Outreach Center is pleased to announce that we will begin social skills groups in January 2015, and initial assessments are currently being conducted.

These groups will consist of a small number of individuals on the spectrum grouped by age and functioning level. A Social Skills Instructor  will work with the groups on a weekly basis, providing behavioral-based programming to target the individual social skills needs of each child.  There are many potential benefits to joining these groups, including:

• Improved conversational skills
• Increased confidence
• Decreased feelings of anxiety
• Building friendships
• Picking up on non-verbal cues from other people
• Improved listening skills
• Increased ability to deal with public interactions
• Increased community participation

If you are interested in signing your child up for social skills groups, please contact the Diagnostic Center at 917-722-3986.