Social Groups

What are they? 

Social groups are interest-based, and children are grouped based on their Passionate Interests, Age, and Social Interaction Style.  In these groups, we will focus on interacting with each other, authentic connection, and joy within structured and unstructured activities. We will work on collaboration, communication, problem solving, and advocacy, all of which can be tailored to each group's unique needs within the group.  

There will be 2-5 children in each group, depending on needs.  Each group will be structured and tailored to fit individual needs, preferences, and interests, so that the group is low-stress and filled with authentic Joy and Connection.  They are structured to include Gym Time, Group Activities (Art/Creation, Group Games, Building, etc.), and a Messy Play time (e.g. make a snack, science experiment, slime creation, etc.). 

**Please note: I work from a Neurodiversity-Affirming lens. This means I do not see your child as broken and/or needing to be fixed. My goal is not to "teach social skills" which are often based in Neuronormativity, but to create a safe space for children to interact and connect in playful and joyful ways; the goal is authentic joy and meaningful connection. Sometimes, in order for these interactions to continue to feel safe and joyful, support/coaching them through natural playful experiences may be needed. I always take a gentle yet direct approach, focusing on Affect and perspective-taking.

TIME: 

Sessions will last roughly 2 hours long, with the last 15 minutes being devoted to transition/parent pick-up, and setting up for the next group. Parents are free to stay if you would like, or you may leave your child for the group time to have some time to yourselves.  They will take place on Saturdays, from 10 am-6 pm (10 AM-12 PM, 12 PM-2 PM, 2 PM-4 PM, 4 PM-6 PM). Participants will need to commit to once a week, for 5 to 6 weeks, to ensure there are enough participants for groups to form. There will be an option to sign up for another Series afterwards. 

**Summer Saturday Social Groups will run from 10 am-4 pm.

LOCATION:
Group sessions will take place at Bright Spot Pediatric Therapy, at 1425 N. Killingsworth St. Portland, OR 97217. This is in North Portland at the corner of Killingsworth St. and Interstate Ave. 

Please Note: this is in a neighborhood with a mix of commercial and residential properties, right along the yellow Max line. We use street parking which can be tight at times. We like to leave a little extra time for parking and may walk a couple blocks to get to the front door.

DATES:

Summer Social Groups - SIGN UP HERE
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays 4:30-6 pm
Saturdays 10am-4pm
**Dates to be determined. Please share your availability on the form linked above.
**The form is also embedded below, if you would prefer to sign up from this page.

PROCESS:

For New Participants - Once I receive your input from the link above, I will send you a Parent Questionnaire Form; this form will allow me to place your child in the best-fitting group possible, based on their interests and needs. 
Once I have received your Questionnaire, I will then send you a Consent/Waiver Form, which will need to be completed at least one week in advance of the first day of groups.  Once groups have been finalized, I will then send you an email to confirm Dates, Times, and Details, as well as a Payment Invoice via your selected Payment preference. Payment is due before or on the first day of groups in order for your child to participate. You may pay online or in person at drop-off.

For Returning Participants - Click the link above to sign up for the Social Group Series you would like your child to participate in.  I already have your Parent Questionnaire and Consent/Waiver form on file, so no need to complete those forms again. Once I have received your input, I will begin grouping participants and finalizing dates.

PRICE:
$58/session = $290 or $348 for a full Series
**Due to cost increases, I am needing to raise prices.  If enough participants sign up, I will be able to offer a sliding scale to those who need it. Please reach out if you would like to be considered for this!

Payments Accepted: credit card, Venmo, PayPal
**Payment for the entire Series must be made on or before the first day of Social Groups in order for your child to participate. You may pay online beforehand, or in person at drop-off.