Group Services
Fostering Positive Social Interactions
Social and play skills are some of the common challenges for learners and families living with autism. At Continuum, we understand the importance of forming meaningful relationships with parents, friends, and teachers. We offer a variety of group services, both in-person and through telehealth, to help our learners develop foundational skills for social interactions. Our groups provide an opportunity for learners to interact and practice skills with similar-aged peers. We teach foundational social skills through direct instruction using multiple teaching techniques including modeling, role-play activities, videos, and games. Each learner joins a small group (4-8 participants) according to their needs, age, caregiver priorities, topic interests, and activity level. Our groups are led by trained technicians and supervised by a Consultant.
Social Skills Groups
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We offer multiple social skills groups for teens and pre-teens both in-person and via telehealth. These groups address many topics such as: developing and maintaining friendships, teamwork, communication with peers, strategies for handling complex emotions, and more! Group-based curriculum is scientifically-based for teaching skills needed for navigating the social world. From small group instruction to structured social outings, your learner will develop effective ways to build lasting relationships with their peers.
Group Overview
PEERS® Group
Pre-Teens and Teens
PEERS® Group
Skills Addressed:
- Developing Advanced social skills
- Taking perspective of other
- Problem solving and handling disagreements
- Building friendships and stopping bullying
- Engaging and maintaining conversations
- Understanding and using humor
Conversations Pre-Teen Group
Conversations Pre-Teen Group
Skills Addressed:
- Conversational Foundations
- Reciprocal Conversation Exchanges
- Initiating and Maintaining Conversations
- Bullying and Rejection
- Friendships
- Reading Social Cues
Minecraft Growth Mindset
Minecraft Growth Mindset
Skills Addressed:
- Emotional Control
- Flexible Thinking
- Building a Growth Mindset
- Problem Solving
- Building Friendships
- Confidence and Respect
Growth Mindset for Girls
Growth Mindset for Girls
Skills Addressed:
- Compassion and Empathy
- Building a Growth Mindset
- Using a Positive Mindset
- Emotional Control
- Respect and Self-love
Healthy Relationships
Healthy Relationships
Skills Addressed:
- Develop and Maintain Healthy Relationships
- Establishing safe boundaries
- Understanding Social cues and problem solving
- Perspective taking and handling disagreements
Internet Safety
Internet Safety
Skills Addressed:
- Appropriate Internet Interactions
- Social and personal boundaries
- Problem Solving
- Parent Supervision
- Maintaining Safety using Technology
Traditional In-Person
Social Skills Group
In-Person Group
Skills Addressed:
- Flexibility
- Emotions
- Turn Taking
- Social Cues
- Group Attending
- Group Activities
- Reciprocal Conversations
Executive Functioning Group
Executive Functioning Group
Skills Addressed:
- Planning and Organization
- Time Management and Completing Tasks
- Self-Control and Emotional Regulation
- Goal Setting
FAQs
What are group services for autism?
Group services bring individuals together in a structured setting where they can practice social, communication, and behavioral skills with peers. This real-life interaction helps improve confidence, teamwork, and emotional understanding.
How is group therapy different from individual therapy?
Individual therapy focuses on personal goals, while group therapy helps practice social skills with peers in real situations.
What skills are developed in group therapy for autism?
Participants learn skills like communication, turn-taking, emotional regulation, and understanding social cues through guided activities and peer interaction.
What happens during a typical group therapy session?
Sessions usually include structured activities like role-playing, group discussions, and social games that help individuals practice real-world interactions in a supportive environment.
Can group therapy improve real-world social skills?
Yes, it helps individuals apply learned skills in everyday situations like school, work, and social environments.
How often should someone attend group services?
Most programs run weekly or multiple times per week, allowing consistent practice and improved long-term social and communication skills.
Can group therapy improve real-life social interactions?
Yes, practicing skills in a group helps individuals apply what they learn in real-world situations like school, work, or community settings.
Do children with autism catch up to their age group?
Some children with autism can catch up to their age group over time, especially with early intervention and therapies like ABA, speech, and occupational therapy. However, progress varies for each child—some may fully catch up, while others continue to develop at their own pace.