Each student is evaluated through observation, interviews and rating scales to develop an individualized social skill plan. The evaluation yields three critical pieces of information to design an effective intervention:

• Relevant social skills to teach in order to help the client reach their goals and improve social functioning.
• Strategies to teach skills. We will determine the best approach for students based on their language ability and learning style. Some students will learn better from visual strategies (e.g., see Social Skill Picture Book). Other students will benefit from skill lessons that include verbal or written explanations (e.g., see Social Skills Training Book).
• Individual or group training. Some students will initially benefit from individual training to build group-readiness skills, such as attending to others, and motivation to interact. Many students will enter groups of two or more students matched by cognitive and language ability, interests and age.

We can provide an assessment of problem behaviors to help understand why the behavior occurs. The assessment may involve observation, interview, review of behavior diaries and questionnaires.

Our goal is to understand the triggers to challenging moments and the student’s perception of those situations.

Based on the information we will put together a prevention plan which may involve: Modifications to demands, skills training to provide alternatives to inappropriate behaviors, and incentive systems.

We can provide an assessment geared towards making a diagnosis of a particular psychiatric condition. This may involve interviews, questionnaires, and direct observation.

If needed, we can provide a written summary of our diagnostic impression.