We are recruiting children between the ages of 3 years old to adolescent (everyone is matched by age, social/emotional skills, and interests). A licensed speech language therapist, Monica Elias, who is typically aided by an assistant, will run our groups.

Where:

Downtown Brooklyn- 44 Court Street (Mon/Tues/Thurs) for one session per week, starting at the end of September/early October. Time and day of the week will be determined once the group is formed.

Cost:

$70-$80 per session per child, at least a 10 session commitment (we do not accept insurance).

Goals are presented in a variety of activities thereby increasing an understanding of each skill. Parent involvement is a plus, to help carry over what is learned in session. Each session lasts 45 minutes, after which the therapist updates with parents for 10-15 minutes, explaining how to implement social skills concepts over the week.

Social skills groups are comprised of three to four children/students and require at least a 10-session commitment (groups typically are 12 sessions long). We do not hold sessions over breaks or major holidays.

We work with children without and with diagnoses, such e.g. autism spectrum (PDD, Aspergers), language processing, speech language delay, social communication delay, ADHD, auditory processing disorder, Non-Verbal Learning Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder, learning disabilities, etc.

SOCIAL SKILLS GROUPS

Preschool (3.5-5 years old)

Preschool groups learn through play and activity based learning. Groups focus on whole body listening, noticing and interpreting other people s actions, being in a group, working together, and improving play skills. Preschoolers practice identifying feelings and thoughts in themselves and others. These are all necessary skills for attending school and establishing peer relationships.

School Age

From early elementary and older, the groups cover topics such as: conversing with peers, adults, teachers, understanding indirect language, noticing expected and unexpected behaviors, identifying context clues to interpret how people are feeling and what they might be thinking, identifying the gravity of a problem and the size of a reaction, differentiating between an emotional and a technical response. These are invaluable skills for navigating increasingly complex social interactions, as students grow.

Early Elementary, 6-7 years old

Elementary, 8-10 years old

Middle School, 11-13 years old

High School, 14-17 years old

 

How do we get started

Please fill out the attached questionnaire. If you already filled out a questionnaire, we have it on file. E-mail it back to Craig at [email protected] or fax it to him at 347-772-3448. All information is confidential and will not be shared with 3rd parties without your written permission. Brooklyn Letters will initially match 5 children (based on the questionnaires responses, age, and availability), then set up a parent phone interview with Monica, and have a free trial social skills class with a group of 5 children. If at least four children match during the trial session, we will offer the group, a 10 to 12 session social skills once a week (except major holidays etc.).

Due to the high volume of interest in our social skills groups, we are unable to answer over the phone your social skills questions before we match children. If your child is selected for a free initial group screen, we will be more than happy to answer your questions/concerns. We highly recommend you fill out the questionnaire before mid to late September, if you already filled one out, let us know your availability to partake in the fall social skills group by early September.