Are Social Skills Groups Really Effective?

Are social skills groups a powerful way to build real-life connections, or just another artificial setting that doesn’t translate beyond the session? In this episode, we dive into the debate, weighing the pros and cons of group-based instruction. Drawing from years of experience, we explore what makes these groups succeed, where they fall short, and why context, individual goals, and generalization matter more than any set curriculum.

We discuss why some learners thrive in structured social settings while others need more natural, individualized approaches. From parent expectations to learner preferences, emotional regulation challenges, and the importance of staff involvement, we unpack what it really takes to make a social group effective. Whether you’re running a center-based program or supporting students in a classroom, this episode is packed with honest insights to help you decide when and how to use social skills groups…and when to rethink them entirely.

What’s Inside:

• The pros and cons of group-based instruction
• Why some learners thrive in structured social settings and others don’t
• Tips to help you decide when and how to use social skills groups

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