Several diagnostic terms describe persons exhibiting significant social interaction difficulties: High Functioning Autism, Asperger Syndrome, PDD (Pervasive Developmental Disorder) and NLD (Non-Verbal Learning Disorder). Children falling under these diagnostic labels exhibit numerous social incompetencies or social cognitive deficits.  These difficulties include communicating and understanding verbal as well as non-verbal information such as: facial expressions, body postures and gestures, interpersonal distance, and tone of voice.  Trouble initiating and responding appropriately to novel activities, listening, comprehending abstract language, understanding perspective taking, getting the whole picture and deciphering humor are some of the other difficulties experienced.

Friendship Club Overview

The Friendship Club program targets:

• Mastery of basic social skills
• Friendship development
• Non-verbal & verbal communication skills
• Social problem-solving
• Emotional regulation & self-control
• Conflict resolution
• And much more...

Friendship Club is a year-round, on going group therapy program providing weekly social skills training. Two 14-week sessions are offered during the school year and a 5-week program is offered during the summer months.

Methods of Instruction

Children meet in an emotionally supportive environment in groups of 3 to 4 children. Social skills are developed and reinforced through performance feedback, guided activities, role-plays, modeling and a wide variety of structured and creative activities.

Curriculum focuses on but is not limited to the following:

• Friendly behaviors
• Basic social skills (greetings, eye-contact, personal space, etc.)
• Two-way conversations
• Reading social cues & feelings
• Making inferences
• Being a Good Sport
• Empathy
• Perspective Taking
• Thoughtful Listening
• Non-verbal language
• Social problem-solving
• Anger management
• Conflict resolution

An initial intake consultation is required prior to participation in the Friendship Club program for a fee of $100. The consultation provides an opportunity to meet with parents, discuss the program and talk with and observe each child. This is not a formal evaluation or assessment. The intake is required in order to determine the appropriateness of our program for each child and to assist in providing the optimum group placement. Parents concerns and social development goals are identified. This is a non-refundable fee and is due at the time of intake. Children can join on-going groups throughout the year, depending upon availability.

For additional information and to schedule an intake, please contact:
Dr. Sandie Frawley at (925) 846-2413 or through email at smfrawley@comcast.net.