Social Skills Program | UC Davis MIND Institute

Many children and adolescents diagnosed with autism or other social communication differences experience challenges in social situations, including difficulties with reciprocal conversations, making friends, and maintaining friendships. The UC Davis MIND Institute’s Social Skills Program is designed to celebrate neurodiversity and create a supportive, fun environment where participants can learn and practice essential skills for positive peer interactions.

Since 2001, the Social Skills Program has provided evidence-based services to children, adolescents, and their families. The program is grounded in empirical research, including published studies by MIND Institute investigators. This strong research foundation ensures that our curriculum and approach are guided by best practices and ongoing clinical expertise.

The Social Skills Program currently operates as a clinical service at the MIND Institute and is offered on a fee-for-service basis.

Program Overview
The Social Skills Program consists of two primary components:

1. Child/Adolescent Groups
2. Parent/Caregiver Groups

Child and Adolescent Groups
Participants are grouped by age (typically 8-15 children per group) and meet once a week for 10 weeks. Sessions are held on Tuesday afternoons from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Each group is overseen by a licensed clinical psychologist and facilitated by psychology trainees and trained co-leaders, allowing for a high adult-to-participant ratio and individualized support.

The curriculum focuses on personal growth, reciprocal conversations, perspective-taking, developing friendships, understanding social boundaries, and building independence. Activities are designed to allow children and teens to practice skills through structured conversations, small and large group interactions, and collaborative problem-solving.
For adolescent participants, additional emphasis is placed on fostering leadership, independence, and preparation for future social situations.

Parent and Caregiver Groups
While children attend their sessions, parents and caregivers participate in a concurrent parent group led by a licensed clinical psychologist. This group provides:

• Education on weekly topics
• Discussion of diagnostic profiles and co-occurring conditions
• Information on treatment approaches and school collaboration
• Guest speakers on topics such as behavior supports, medication, transition planning, and sexuality
• A space for peer support, shared experiences, and resources

Eligibility Criteria
To ensure the program is appropriate and safe for all participants, the following eligibility guidelines apply:

• Age: 8 to 17 years old
• Behavior: No history of aggressive outbursts in a group or classroom setting within the past year. While occasional challenges at home are understood, group safety remains a priority
• Verbal Abilities: Participants should have average or above-average verbal abilities, including the ability to speak in full sentences and engage in brief conversations
• Diagnosis: A diagnosis of autism or clinically significant social communication difficulties. Families who are unsure if their child meets criteria are encouraged to apply, each application is reviewed individually to determine program fit

Please note: The Social Skills Program is not designed for children whose primary diagnosis is ADHD without accompanying social communication challenges.