Group Social Skills Training-Adolescents (Ages 14-17)
NCMA’s Dover, NH location is now offering a Social Skills Group class for adolescents based on the evidence-based PEERS (The Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills) model.
- Dr. Bomil and Jamie Evans, MA are co-leaders for this 16-week social skills group meeting Thursday nights from 5:30-7:00pm.
- This group is best suited for adolescents between the ages of 14 and 17 years old who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Social Pragmatic Disorder, or any other Developmental Disorder affecting their ability to socialize.
- If your child is nonverbal, verbally or physically aggressive, below a 6th grade academic level, or if you feel they would not participate, this is not a well-suited group for them.
- The group outline consists of a 60-minute initial intake interview with the child and parent prior to admission to group. This interview is designed to help build rapport with one of the co-leaders, discuss current social deficits, set goals, and review group information (schedule, welcome packet, initial questionnaires). This is also a time for you and your child to decide if this group is something you would like to pursue. If this program is determined to be a good fit your child will be enrolled in the 16-week program.
- It is important for the parent attending the initial intake interview to also be present at each social skills group meeting. Part of the program includes parent and child involvement in weekly homework assignments to enhance the skills taught in group.
- While your teen is attending group each week, you will have the opportunity to meet other group members’ parents and watch a weekly video created by the co-leaders to explain the at-home assignment for the week. There will also be time provided after group for the co-leaders to answer any questions you may have regarding that week’s topic.
- There are also 3 parent-only sessions built into the calendar with the co-leaders to discuss progress, learn more about diagnoses that contribute to social deficits, and review any questions.
Group Curriculum
Week 1: Introduction and Conversation Skills I: Trading Information
Week 2: Conversational Skills II: Two-Way Conversations
Week 3: Electronic Conversations
Week 4: Parent-only session
Week 5: Choosing Appropriate Friends
Week 6: Appropriate Use of Humor
Week 7: Peer Entry 1: Entering a Conversation
Week 8: Peer Entry 2: Exiting a Conversation
Week 9: Parent-only session
Week 10: Get-Togethers
Week 11: Rejection I: Teasing
Week 12: Rejection II: Bullying and bad reputations
Week 13: Handling Disagreements
Week 14: Parent-only session
Week 15: Rumors and Gossip
Week 16: Graduation (Parent & Teen)
How to enroll
If you are interested in your child joining, please call (207) 594-2952 or email us securely to discuss billing and set up your initial phone interview. After the phone triage, the initial intake interview will be scheduled.