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Introduction to Social Skills Groups
We are currently accepting new members to our LET’S LAFF Social Skills groups in Bakersfield! These in-person groups stand for Learn about Friends and Feelings – and that is what these groups will give all attendees! They also provide for the opportunity to work on social skills, create lasting friendships, and most importantly, HAVE FUN!
Understanding Social Skills
Social skills for everyone encompass many different behaviors that allow people to effectively interact and communicate with others across many social situations across their lives. Some of these skills include:
Initiating and maintaining relationships: This involves making friends, keeping in touch with others, and understanding the social rules of different contexts. Different modalities will be looked at such as in person communication vs. how you might respond to a text.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in Social Skills
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a therapeutic approach that breaks down complex behaviors into smaller components and uses principles of learning and reinforcement to teach new skills and behaviors. ABA, done in a person-centered way, is commonly used to target social skills deficits in individuals who are neurodiverse.
Here's how it’s used with social skills:
Social skills groups often take place in structured settings where individuals can practice social interactions in a supportive environment. These groups are led by trained professionals, such as speech therapists, occupational therapists, behavior analysts or clinicians, who facilitate social skill-building activities and provide feedback, guidance, and other levels of support to the people they work with.
Are you or a loved one looking for a social group? Please visit the Autism Behavior Services, Inc. (ABSI) social skills page and see if we offer one in your area. ABSI has also pioneered virtual social groups to help eliminate barriers people might find when seeking to attend such groups.
You can find out more here:
https://autismbehaviorservices.com/services/social-groups/
Or contact us at [email protected] or call 1-855-581-0100
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Social skills refer to the abilities that enable people to effectively interact and communicate with others. These skills allow them to effectively convey wants and needs, and are crucial for forming and maintaining relationships, navigating social situations, and succeeding in various aspects of life. For individuals with autism, who can struggle with social communication and interaction, developing social skills can significantly improve their quality of life, their integration into society, and their independence overall. These skills give them the tools to be advocate for themselves in ways that enrich their lives.
ABA uses systematic, evidence based teaching methods to break down social skills into smaller, manageable components. The idea is that by doing this the person learning them will not feel overwhelmed. They will also be able to work on each step, one at a time, figuring out how to utilize them in ways that they benefit from. By providing clear instructions, modeling desired behaviors, and using reinforcement techniques, ABA helps individuals with autism learn and practice social skills in structured settings that are safe, and filled with teachable moments. Through repeated practice and positive reinforcement in a person-centered environment, individuals can improve their social communication, emotional regulation, and relationship-building abilities.
Social skills groups are organized settings with benefits for EVERYONE. They are places where all individuals can learn and practice these skills in a supportive environment. The groups have a range of activities from group outings to preferred places, parties which are structured to promote social behavior, and other group events that have an end goal of interaction. Social skills groups offer a safe space for individuals with autism to learn from their peers, gain confidence in social situations, and enhance their overall social competence. Another special byproduct is the formation of friendships and bonds that can last a lifetime.
