Early Childhood Social Skills Group

The Early Childhood Social Skills Group is a weekly 60-minute social learning program tailored for young children with social communication delays. Led by a speech and language therapist and a board-certified behavioral analyst, the Early Childhood Social Skills Group employs a multidisciplinary approach. The program utilizes Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Intervention (NDBI) to target the social use of language, play, and self-regulation in a group-based setting. 

Each week, participants embark on a new themed adventure, introducing a specific target skill in a fun, child-centered environment. To reinforce learning, children receive materials to support skill practice at home. 

The program is for children ages 3-6 who have social communication challenges stemming from:    

• Autism  
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder   
• Speech and Language Disorders   

• Learn to use language effectively in social situations with peers of the same age. 
• Understand and use nonverbal communication cues during social interactions. 
• Develop skills important for good social relationships, like sharing, taking turns, and waiting. 
• Practice problem-solving together with others. 
• Learn to play cooperatively during both structured and unstructured playtime. 
• Learn to handle big feelings when playing with friends. 

• IN PERSON 
• Child Mind Institute, 215 East 50th Street, NYC  

• 6-10 weeks – Ongoing Registration
• Thursdays 3:15 pm – 4:15 pm  

• 6-10 weeks -Ongoing Registration
• Thursdays 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm 

Based on clinician hourly rates.

A pre-screening with an assessment for group readiness will occur before admission to the group is confirmed. This can be conducted in person or via telehealth. Parents will need to be present for a portion of the screener. Children will be carefully matched by language skills and groups by age with a minimum of 2 participants per age group required. The groups will be capped at 5 participants per age group.    

Pre-screening appointment: Based on clinician hourly rates.