What therapies help teach children social skills?

Social skills groups teach kids how to interact with their peers in social settings. Such groups are most beneficial for children who can gain from social problem-solving and modeling with peers.

The Social Thinking Methodology focuses on building a child’s social competence so they can better navigate interactions with their peers and understand others’ perspectives while learning other crucial skills.

In Integrated Play Groups, a supervising adult, or “play guide,” supports group interactions between children with autism and their neurotypical peers. An IPG intervention is designed to teach children social and communication skills while they develop relationships with their peers.

Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERsⓇ) offers several programs separated by age group where individuals will learn skills like maintaining body boundaries, making friends, and handling disagreements.

For more information, check out our articles Behavioral Interventions beyond ABA and Socialization and Inclusion: Nurturing Authentic Peer Relationships.