Social Skills Groups
Social Skills: Child Group (Ages 6-12)
Child Social Skills Group for Autistic Children
LittleStar’s child social skills group offers a 10-week social skills program for autistic school-age children. This group supports children who want to learn how to make and keep friends.
Each weekly session teaches essential social skills through structured lessons and guided practice. Children practice skills during interactive socialization activities with peers.
Targeted skills include back-and-forth conversation, sharing, sportsmanship, and finding common interests. Sessions also address handling disagreements, problem-solving, and flexible thinking.
The group environment encourages positive peer interaction and confidence building. Children receive real-time feedback and support from trained professionals.
Parent involvement plays a critical role in the success of the social skills group. Parents attend three scheduled sessions during the program.
During parent sessions, caregivers learn strategies to support friendship development at home and in the community. Parents receive coaching to help reinforce skills outside group sessions.
Weekly socialization homework allows children to practice learned skills in real-life settings. Parents provide feedback and support during these activities.
This social skills group may benefit children with autism spectrum disorder who express interest in making friends. Motivation to build peer relationships supports positive group outcomes.
A virtual screening determines whether the child fits the group. The screening includes the child and reviews interests, goals, and social readiness.
Parent participation remains required throughout the program. The team obtains participant assent before group sessions and continues throughout treatment.
LittleStar’s social skills group focuses on building meaningful connections, confidence, and long-term social success.
Social Emotional Learning Child Group (ages 6-12)
Social Emotional Learning Group for Autistic Children
LittleStar’s Social Emotional Learning group provides a 12-week intervention for autistic children. The program supports emotional regulation, coping skills, and personal growth.
This group uses the AIM curriculum to teach emotional awareness and mindfulness strategies. Children learn how to identify emotions and respond in healthy ways.
Clinicians present skills through direct instruction, hands-on activities, and structured role-playing. These methods support understanding, engagement, and real-world application.
The group integrates mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Applied Behavior Analysis. This blended approach supports emotional development and behavioral growth.
Children learn to accept emotions, identify personal values, and move toward meaningful goals. Sessions encourage self-reflection, flexibility, and problem-solving skills.
The Social Emotional Learning group helps children who struggle with emotional regulation. The program supports children with autism spectrum disorder who experience strong or challenging emotions.
Group activities encourage participation, confidence, and peer interaction. Children practice coping strategies in a supportive group environment.
A virtual screening helps determine whether the child fits the group. The screening includes the child and reviews emotional needs, interests, and goals.
Parent participation remains required throughout the program. Caregivers support skill practice and reinforce learning outside sessions.
The team obtains participant assent before group sessions and continues throughout treatment. This process supports comfort, choice, and engagement.
LittleStar’s Social Emotional Learning group promotes emotional understanding, resilience, and long-term success.
PEERS Social Group for Teens (Ages 13-17)
PEERS® for Adolescents Social Skills Group
PEERS® for Adolescents is a 16-week, evidence-based social skills intervention for autistic middle and high school teens. This program supports motivated teens who want to make and keep friends.
Each weekly session teaches practical social skills through structured lessons and guided practice. Teens apply new skills during interactive socialization activities.
Lesson topics include finding common interests and starting conversations. Teens also learn how to enter and exit conversations appropriately.
The program teaches electronic communication skills, including texting and online interactions. Teens practice using and responding to humor in social settings.
Additional lessons cover hosting get-togethers, sportsmanship, and group participation. Teens learn strategies for handling arguments and resolving disagreements.
The program addresses reputation management and responding to bullying or harassment. These skills support confidence and social resilience.
Parents attend separate sessions held at the same time as teen groups. Parent sessions focus on supporting social growth outside group meetings.
Parents learn strategies to help teens expand their social networks. Caregivers provide feedback and coaching during weekly socialization homework.
Homework assignments help teens practice skills in real-world settings. Parent involvement reinforces learning and skill generalization.
PEERS® for Adolescents supports teens with autism spectrum disorder who show interest in peer relationships. Motivation to build friendships supports program success.
Parent participation remains required throughout the program. The team obtains participant assent before group sessions and continues throughout treatment.
PEERS® for Adolescents helps teens build confidence, social competence, and lasting peer connections.
PEERS for Adults (ages 18+)
PEERS® for Adults Social Skills Group
PEERS® for Adults is a 14-week, evidence-based social skills program for autistic adults. This group supports motivated adults who want to make and keep friends.
Each weekly session teaches practical social skills through structured lessons and guided practice. Adults practice skills during interactive socialization activities.
Program topics include finding friends and starting conversations. Participants also learn how to end conversations appropriately.
The group teaches coping strategies for managing social stress. Adults practice using and responding to humor in social situations.
Additional lessons address hosting get-togethers and dating etiquette. Participants learn expectations for respectful and appropriate relationships.
The program includes financial literacy and job etiquette instruction. These skills support independence and workplace success.
Adults also learn conflict resolution strategies for managing disagreements. Sessions encourage problem-solving and effective communication.
A trusted adult is strongly encouraged to attend three separate support sessions. These sessions occur during the program timeline.
Trusted adults learn how to advocate for and support participants. Topics include relationship navigation, personal rights, and safety awareness.
Supporters also help adults practice skills outside group sessions. This support promotes skill generalization and confidence.
Participant assent remains required throughout the program. The team obtains assent before group sessions and continues during treatment.
PEERS® for Adults supports independence, confidence, and meaningful social connections.
Social Skills Group Interest Form
Need More Info?
For more information on upcoming events, click the links below or contact Jennifer Baker at [email protected].
Or call 317-943-4300
Meet our Staff
Jennifer Baker, MA, BCBA
Psychological Services Director
Jennifer is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst with 9 years of experience in the field working with individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental delays. Jennifer oversees our initial assessments for ABA treatment, social skills groups for all ages, and parent training webinars at LittleStar. She received her undergraduate degree in Human Development and Family Studies with a minor in Human Sexuality from Indiana University and completed her master’s program at Ball State University in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
Jennifer’s background is in community-based services where she consulted with teachers and school faculty across the Indianapolis area to facilitate successful transitions for LittleStar learners to school and community settings. Her clinical interests include interdisciplinary collaboration, social skills training, group and classroom-based interventions, and the fusion of acceptance and commitment therapy with applied behavior analysis. She is a passionate human rights advocate who believes in every learner’s right to live a happy, safe, and independent life.
For more information on upcoming events, click the links below or contact Jennifer Baker at [email protected].
Or call 317-943-4300