Social Connections (Skills) Programs
Please ask us about our online Social Skills support services. Our Social Connections programs can be held in school or community settings, in the Northern Victorian region, by request. We currently offer the following program topics (which are adapted to suit the developmental stage of participants):
PROGRAM 1
Recognising, Understanding and Managing EmotionsAfter reflecting on the positive aspects of ‘who I am’, participants begin to identify and examine different emotions and learn about the signals that our bodies provide in relation to recognising these emotions. Participants then explore different practical skills and strategies for self-managing their emotions in everyday situations.
PROGRAM 2
Conversation Skills, Play/Hanging outParticipants explore the parts of conversation (including different ways to engage, and the skill of listening) before then transferring the basics of conversation to the environments of play or ‘hanging out’.
PROGRAM 3
Healthy Friendships / RelationshipsParticipants examine what is involved in being a part of a friendship or relationship, and explore the kinds of interactions, and ‘decisions’ and responsibilities that come with being in a friendship / relationship.
PROGRAM 4
Negotiation & Co-operation, Getting along with OthersParticipants explore the concepts of compromise and co-operation, and explore skills and strategies to help better manage these challenging aspects of being with others.
PROGRAM 5
Managing Change & Transitions (promoting independence) Skills for LifeApproaching the management of change and transition from a participant’s perspective (as a life skill), participants explore the potential impact of change on their lives, and strategies for helping themselves better manage transitions and change. The topic has an overall focus on balance and wellbeing, and promotes independence.
(recommended for participants aged 12 years and older)
PROGRAM 6
Managing the Classroom and School WorkParticipants examine what it means to be part of a class group and explore ways to participate meaningfully in the educational setting, developing ideas and strategies for personal success. Sensory experiences are also touched on, helping participants to gain an understanding of how they can self manage sensory processing in the classroom.
PROGRAM 7
Understanding Unwritten Social RulesParticipants explore the meaning behind many of the ‘unwritten social rules’ that exist in our society – focussing on common expectations and situations, this program has the potential to open up opportunities for friendship and success where misunderstandings and conflict have occurred in the past.
PROGRAM 8
Using Social Media SafelyParticipants explore the world of Social Media in terms of ‘keeping yourself safe and protected’ and engaging in responsible interactions that ensure the wellbeing of themselves and others.
This program is aimed at participants aged 13 and over – due to legal restrictions around the use of Social Media for people of a younger age.
PROGRAM 9
Understanding other People’s ViewpointsParticipants examine common clues and signs that indicate how another person might be thinking or feeling in different situations. They then explore strategies to help them recognise and understand other people’s ideas and viewpoints – focussing on skills to potentially build positive relationships and success where previously misunderstandings and conflict have occurred.
Separate Program Options
8 Session Option
(1 session per week over 8 weeks)
Structured practical sessions that support participants in gaining an understanding of social concepts and that assist them in developing skills and strategies to understand social situations and their responses to the ‘world around them’. Role modelling and peer support are considered valuable aspects of the program.
16 Session Option
(2 sessions per week over 8 weeks)
Offers a more in-depth approach to the 8 session program, with greater opportunity for learning and practise of skills – recommended for participants who would benefit from focussed support and assistance.
Please contact us for the most up to date information on individual program costs.
Our Autism Friendly approach to Social Skills is a unique model that has an underlying focus of nurturing self esteem, self worth and confidence in each participant. We believe in diversity – that being different is okay! And we strive to recognise and highlight each person’s strengths and uniqueness. Our goal is to support each participant in their self-understanding, and to provide them with opportunities to develop useful skills that they can use in their everyday lives.
We recognise that ‘one size does not fit all’, and that programs need to be flexible to meet the individual needs of the participants. Our Autism Friendly Social Skills Professional Training is based on our innovative model, and is ideal for people wanting to offer Social Skills support within their own community or organisation.