Social Learning

Social Learning groups based on Michelle Garcia Winner’s Social Thinking® methodology are available for children between the ages of 4 and 12.  This methodology helps children make sense of and learn to use all the hidden rules of communication. Instead of rehearsing and memorizing social skills and reactions in specific situations, the social learner is taught to think socially so their skills can apply to all social situations.

Our Social Learning groups meet for one hour weekly each semester during the school year with an additional optional program offered in the summer.  Children who attend The Parish School may receive additional push-in services in their classrooms so they can apply the Social Learning concepts learned in group to real situations.  Our groups are carefully structured to include students of similar social communication levels and social needs, as well as age.  A maximum of four students are accepted in most groups, although a few accept 5-6 students.  We also offer individual therapy focusing on Social Thinking® concepts if that is determined to be the more appropriate setting for your child.

Each child referred will first have a clinical review of all information submitted from their caregiver and/or teacher.  If this information implicates they may benefit from Social Learning groups, they will participate in a 45 – 60 minute consultation with our one of our Social Learning SLPs.  Information from this consultation is shared verbally with the child’s caregiver and a recommendation for services is made.  Our groups have rolling admission so if there is space available in a group that is appropriate for your child, they may join mid-semester.

A child who typically would benefit from a Social Learning group:

• Is struggling to understand the reactions they get when socializing with others.
• Has difficulty “reading the room” to determine unspoken communication rules in different situations.
• Has difficulty inferring information from social situations as well as from academic information.
• Has difficulty observing or considering other’s perspectives.
• Has average to above average learning potential.
• Has language skills average or near average for their age with or without support.
• Has an awareness of other children around them.
• May be neurodivergent (ex: having ADHD, Autism or being twice exceptional) or neurotypical.