SUMMER SOCIAL SKILLS GROUPS

AEC offers a variety of social skills groups to meet your child's needs.  We have separate classes with specialists dedicated to each of the following:  Children grades 2-5, students grades 6-8, autistic spectrum, speech emphasis, therapeutic art and ADD/ADHD.  The brief descriptions are as follows.

1.  Grades 2-5 --This group will provide children with useful strategies they can immediately put into place to improve their behavior in different environments. Small groups of 4-8 students (depending on activity level) interact with their peers while skilled child psychologists and therapists involve them in engaging, skill building activities specifically designed to aid in social development.  Each session will introduce and teach specific social skills, while enhancing communication and language development.  Children will be introduced to a new social skill, which is solidified through an engaging activity. Children then learn to apply these skills to other life settings through cooperative play which is closely observed and coached by a team of professionals.

2.  Grades 6-8 -- This group will provide students grades 6-8 with useful strategies to cope with the vast array of challenges facing tweens and teens in today’s society. Small groups of 4-8 students interact with their peers while skilled child psychologists and therapists engage them in thought provoking exercises specifically designed to prepare them for the transitions of life.  A variety of topics will be covered including but not limited to:  peer pressure, increasing responsibility, bullying, depression and substance abuse.  The primary focus is to educate and empower the students while bridging the gap between parents and their children.  Students will learn to apply their skills to real life settings through the observation and coaching of our team of professionals.

3.  Autistic Spectrum, Speech Emphasis, Therapeutic Art and ADD/ADHD Groups --These groups will offer highly focused care for children in grades 2-5.  Small groups of 4-6 students (depending on activity level) interact with their peers while skilled child psychologists, speech therapists or art therapists involve them in engaging, skill building activities specifically designed to aid in social/emotional development.  Each session will introduce and teach specific social skills, while enhancing communication and language development.  Children then learn to apply these skills to other life settings through cooperative play which is closely observed and coached by a team of professionals who specialize in the area of interest.

WHEN: Ongoing Tuesday or Thursday from 4:30-5:30 pm or 6-7 pm.  Register by calling 973-454-1587.