are social skills playgroups

[Anonymous]

oops, hit submit before I was done with you...

...I have to say of all the ugly comments that were made, the one where several posters alleged I must have Aspergers and then continued to berate me was the worst, because if you could use an impairment as a weapon to hurt and insult,you are clearly ignorant to the feelings of individuals who truly have Aspergers or other impairments.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:[
Hi - NP here. I looked into social skills groups for my daughter who was, at 4-5, exactly as you describe your daughter, but never did it because the ones offered where we used to live didn't sound like they exactly fit her. Fast forward a year or two later, and she just developed confidence and came out of her shell. We ended up holding her back in K an extra year so that she would be more confident socially and more comfortable in her skin, and now she is a poised, graceful, friendly 7.5 year old who is in first grade. This year she was the ONLY new child in her entire first grade, and she had absolutely no problems fitting in, making friends, and melding into the class. Now, she is not the sort of child who will go up to others on a playground and make friends, but she is open to children approaching her, is receptive to all play, and is absolutely right in the center of any social group at school. Her teachers tell us she is very popular, and certainly she seems sought-after for playdates. I really think in her case, she just needed extra time, nurturing, repeated playdates (which even though one on one was always fine, gave her confidence in groups), and maturity to come into her own. Is it possible that the same might hold for your daughter?? I wonder because you say that she is typically developing in other ways so it seems like this may be the case...

PP, what makes you think that your child might have an auditory processing issue, rather than just shyness? I ask because my son sounds a lot like your daughter. I'm just wondering what behaviors indicate that it might be more than her temperament affecting her behavior in the group situation. Thanks.

thanks so much for posting - yes, I have wondered if age and maturity will help and I kind of waver on what to do. It's heartening to hear your story. There is also the possibility that my child could have an auditory processing problem but we are just beginning to investigate that. It was only brought up very recently and I need to actually get her tested.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:[
Hi - NP here. I looked into social skills groups for my daughter who was, at 4-5, exactly as you describe your daughter, but never did it because the ones offered where we used to live didn't sound like they exactly fit her. Fast forward a year or two later, and she just developed confidence and came out of her shell. We ended up holding her back in K an extra year so that she would be more confident socially and more comfortable in her skin, and now she is a poised, graceful, friendly 7.5 year old who is in first grade. This year she was the ONLY new child in her entire first grade, and she had absolutely no problems fitting in, making friends, and melding into the class. Now, she is not the sort of child who will go up to others on a playground and make friends, but she is open to children approaching her, is receptive to all play, and is absolutely right in the center of any social group at school. Her teachers tell us she is very popular, and certainly she seems sought-after for playdates. I really think in her case, she just needed extra time, nurturing, repeated playdates (which even though one on one was always fine, gave her confidence in groups), and maturity to come into her own. Is it possible that the same might hold for your daughter?? I wonder because you say that she is typically developing in other ways so it seems like this may be the case...

PP, what makes you think that your child might have an auditory processing issue, rather than just shyness? I ask because my son sounds a lot like your daughter. I'm just wondering what behaviors indicate that it might be more than her temperament affecting her behavior in the group situation. Thanks.

thanks so much for posting - yes, I have wondered if age and maturity will help and I kind of waver on what to do. It's heartening to hear your story. There is also the possibility that my child could have an auditory processing problem but we are just beginning to investigate that. It was only brought up very recently and I need to actually get her tested.

woops, posted in wrong place...


PP, what makes you think that your child might have an auditory processing issue, rather than just shyness? I ask because my son sounds a lot like your daughter. I'm just wondering what behaviors indicate that it might be more than her temperament affecting her behavior in the group situation. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:[

PP, what makes you think that your child might have an auditory processing issue, rather than just shyness? I ask because my son sounds a lot like your daughter. I'm just wondering what behaviors indicate that it might be more than her temperament affecting her behavior in the group situation. Thanks.

I am the PP with this child, this came as a result of a recent screening at school but also I have suspected something in the past. When she repeats things, she often leaves out key words. Its like she just can't "hear" them in order to repeat them or understand them. The result is that sometimes when she has conversations she drops out important words so that her conversation doesn't flow properly and at her age kids are having trouble understanding. As she has gotten older this does seem to be getting better so its possible it might be a maturity thing.

[Anonymous]

This is Rene Hackney from Parenting Playgroups. While I don't chime in often, I thought a list of Social Skills Group providers in the area might be helpful here. Our office provides this list to folks who are looking for groups but unsure where to turn. While we would love for you to consider us, not every group is a good fit for every child.
The Family Compass [phone]
Children’s Outpatient Psychiatry [phone]
Expressive Therapy Center [phone]
Parenting Playgroups [phone]
Stepping Stones Therapy [phone]
Falls Church Parent-Child Center [phone]
In Step [phone]
The School Counseling Group [phone]
Jewish Social Services Agency [phone] *Intake [phone]
The Ross Center [phone]
McLean Psychotherapy [phone]
Pediatric psychology Center [phone]
The Wake Kendall Group [phone]
Creative Therapy Associates LLC [phone]
Also visit - www.groups4kids.com for a more detailed list
It may be also beneficial to read about improving social skills.
Helping Your Socially Vulnerable Child by Eisen and Engler
The Shyness Breakthrough by Carducci
Raising Your Child's Social IQ by
Helping Your Anxious Child by Spence, Cobham, Wignall and Rapee