Question 1

There are many social skills groups available. Why should I choose the Making Friends Social Group?

Accepted Answer

The Making Friends Social Group has been in operation in the Philadelphia area for the last 20 years. It was originally founded in 2002 by Cathy Grayson and Becky O'Hara. Our group is unique in that we are proving direct teaching of social skills as well as hands-on integration within real-life play settings. Historically children have not perceived these groups as therapy rather as a friendship group. In addition, we make social skills training fun!

Question 2

What are the advantages of attending a social skills group that is run by speech-language pathologists?

Accepted Answer

Speech Pathologists are uniquely trained in pragmatic language which is at the heart of all social skills deficits. In addition to numerous instructional resources, we utilize Social Thinking® strategies developed by Michelle-Garcia Winner, a speech language pathologist.

Question 3

Where are you located? How accessible is your location to the Philadelphia area?

Accepted Answer

We are conveniently located outside of Philadelphia in nearby Fort Washington. 455 Pennsylvania Avenue is located less than .5 miles from the Fort Washington exchange of the PA turnpike with access from PA routes 309, 76 and 476.

Question 4

What is the cost for a five week session?

Accepted Answer

The cost for a five week session is $1200. This includes five 2.0 hour sessions taught by an ASHA certified speech-language pathologist, detailed weekly letters identifying key words and phrases introduced, basic IEP discussions, a parent training virtual town hall, 1/2 hour parent conference, and a comprehensive report at the conclusion of the five weeks.

Question 5

What can I expect from the parent training virtual town hall meeting?

Accepted Answer

Parent training is an important part of ensuring a child’s generalization of skills across all environments. In the week following the second Sunday session of social skills, a parent training evening will be held. This will be a group Zoom presentation that will provide a general overview of each week’s curricular areas/activities, key words and phrases used in the group, and literature selections that support the lessons. A Zoom link will be sent to all families the day before the presentation. There will also be a question-and-answer period at the end of the training. The presentation will be recorded for those parents unable to attend and provided upon request.

Question 6

What can I expect to receive at the end of the five-week session?

Accepted Answer

You will receive an individualized report regarding your child’s progress during the sessions. The report will highlight the areas of focus each week and a written overview of your child’s social interactions with their peers, progress in each of the identified curricular areas, success with flexibility, and suggestions for increasing and improving social interactions at home, in school, and in the community.
In addition to the written report, each family will have an individual 20-minute Zoom conference to further discuss your child and answer questions specific to their needs. The goal of our group is to empower parents with practical techniques to make a difference in your child’s life.