How to Spot a Truly Effective Social Skills Group for Your Neurodivergent Child
If you’ve ever watched your child struggle to make or keep friends, you’ve probably wondered: Isn’t there a group or program that can actually help?
The short answer is yes — but with so many options out there, let’s be honest: not all social skills groups are created equal.
As a parent, it can be hard to know which program is the right fit. Some groups are just unstructured hangouts with minimal guidance. Others mean well but lack the structure, coaching, and real-world practice that actually lead to lasting social growth.
It’s no wonder it feels overwhelming trying to figure out which ones are worth your time, energy, and investment.
So how can you tell which social skills groups actually work?
In this post, I’m breaking down exactly what makes a social skills group truly effective. We’ll look at why research-backed programs like PEERS®, and programs like the one I run—The CONNECT Program—are so impactful for neurodivergent tweens and teens. You’ll walk away with a clear understanding of what to look for, and how to confidently choose a group that helps your child feel more confident, connected, and understood.
→Spoiler alert: This is the foundation of my CONNECT Program—and it’s why families see real results.
Let’s dive in!
What Makes PEERS® So Effective?
PEERS® stands for Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills. It was developed at UCLA and has been studied around the world for its effectiveness in helping neurodivergent tweens, teens, and young adults build lasting, meaningful friendships.
The magic of PEERS® isn’t just in what it teaches—it’s how it teaches.
Here’s what sets it apart (and what you should always look for in a social skills group):
1. Structure and Sequence
Unlike many “social groups” that are unstructured or vague, evidence-based programs like PEERS® follow a clear, step-by-step teaching sequence. Each week builds on the one before it—teaching specific skills like:
How to start and join conversations
How to use humor appropriately
How to handle teasing, rejection, and gossip
How to plan and invite friends to hang out
Every skill is taught explicitly, not just hoped for through exposure.
2. Direct Coaching and Role Play
Evidence-based programs don’t just talk about social skills—they teach them.
Each session includes modeling, practice, and feedback. Kids are coached through real-life social scenarios, supported with scripts, visual aids, and role-play. They get to rehearse skills in a low-pressure, supportive setting before trying them out in the real world.
This kind of guided practice is critical for neurodivergent learners—because social communication doesn’t always come naturally, but it can be learned.
3. Parent Involvement
Most parents don’t realize this—but parent involvement is one of the biggest reasons programs like PEERS® are so successful.
Parents are taught how to support social skills at home between sessions. They learn how to prompt, model, and reinforce new skills—without falling into the common trap of over-correcting or over-reminding (which many kids tend to tune out—hello, The Parent Effect).
You know that moment when your child says, “Ugh, you just don’t get it”? That’s The Parent Effect in action. But when you're equipped with the same tools, language, and strategies your child is learning in group, that resistance can start to shift and your child begins to see you as a helpful coach, not just “mom” or “dad.”, leading to even more connection.
And really, who wants to send their child to a social skills group and then have no idea how to help them once the group is over?!
But the real benefit is that when parents are involved, the learning doesn’t end after each session. Instead, your child gets continued support at home to navigate tricky social situations as they come up in real life—and with time, practice, and your encouragement, they can strengthen and grow their skills for improved confidence and connection.
4. Real-World Practice
What good is a social skill if it stays in the therapy room?
Programs like PEERS® and The CONNECT Program include home practice assignments that encourage kids to try out what they’ve learned—making phone calls, joining a group conversation, or hosting a hangout.
These tasks are supported with specific steps, scripts when needed, and coaching—not just vague suggestions.
Real-world practice leads to real-world confidence.
5. Peer Support and Shared Understanding
One of the biggest benefits of a structured social group? Your child isn’t alone.
They get to practice social skills with peers who are just like them—who might also be neurodivergent, shy, anxious, or just haven’t found their people yet. This shared experience can help your child feel safe, understood, and motivated.
What to Look for in a Social Skills Program
When you're considering a program, ask yourself:
✅ Is the program backed by research?
✅ Does it follow a clear teaching sequence?
✅ Are social skills taught explicitly (not just modeled)?
✅ Is there role-play or guided practice?
✅ Are parents included and supported?
✅ Is there real-world homework to apply the skills?
✅ Are the sessions facilitated by someone trained in social communication (like a Speech-Language Pathologist)?
If the answer to most of these questions is yes—you’re likely looking at a high-quality program.
The CONNECT Program: Built on What Works
I created The CONNECT Program to take everything I love about PEERS®—the structure, the parent support, the coaching—and make it even more accessible, affirming, and personalized for the families I work with.
As a Speech-Language Pathologist specializing in social communication, I’ve seen firsthand how life-changing this kind of support can be.
We teach conversation and friendship skills in a way that feels doable, authentic, and neurodiversity-affirming. Your child won’t be forced to change who they are—they’ll be given the tools to connect in a way that works for them.
✨ This is the foundation of the CONNECT Program.
If you're looking for a program that blends research-based structure with real-world support, I’d love to support you and your child. We’re enrolling now for our next session—and spots are limited.
➡️ Click here to learn more and apply to The CONNECT Program
You don’t have to guess your way through social challenges anymore.
There’s a proven path—and I’d be honored to guide you both!
Always here cheering you on,