Graham S.
MSc, BSc
Speech Language Pathologist
Learn More Social Communication Group
This dynamic neuroaffirming group is developed and led by a Speech-Language Pathologist. It gives grades 5-7 students the opportunity to practice social skills, emotional and personal development, and build friendships.
Who
This group is for neurodivergent students building upon their social communication skills. SCG is for students in grades 5-7 at this time.
Where
Social Communication Group (SCG) take place at our East Vancouver Centre.
When
SCG meets Tuesdays from 4:00 – 5:20pm. See below for further dates and details.
Program Details
Many neurodivergent students spend a lot of energy at school and in extracurricular activities trying to behave like their neurotypical peers. They don’t always have opportunities to experience social groups where it is safe to be themselves. This neuroaffirming group promotes social, emotional and personal development and helps students practice their communication skills. In this group, difference is respected, and students have fun practicing their social skills and making friends.
In Social Communication Group (SCG), your child participates in enjoyable social activities and structured programming to help them develop the following skills:
- Inferencing (understanding what is being said or implied)
- Initiating and sustaining conversations with peers
- Resolving peer conflicts and repairing relationships
- Initiating and sustaining friendships
- Understanding and responding to jokes, teasing and sarcasm
- Interpreting non-verbal communication and body language
Experienced staff guide youth as they develop and practice their skills in a group of no more than 10 students.
This group is shaped by a neuroaffirming approach. We acknowledge, support, accept, discuss our differences, and learn more about neurodiversity. Due to this, students who are not aware of their diagnoses are not a suitable fit for this program. Students need to feel comfortable hearing discussions about various learning differences.
Schedule
Our fall/winter cohort runs from September 24 – January 28. The group will break for the winter holidays after the December 17 group, returning on January 7.
Our winter/spring cohort runs from February 4 – June 10. This group will break for the spring holidays after the March 11 group, returning on April 1.
You can apply to register your interest for the 2024-25 Social Communication Groups.
Please note that this group is not a parent participation program. It is a great opportunity to help your child build independence.
Apply NowNext Steps
Fees
SCG fees are on a sliding scale based on annual household income. Fees for each cohort are as follows :
– $150 for households earning less than $65,000
– $350 for households earning between $65-$85,000
– $400 for households earning between $85-$120,000
– $725 for households earning between $120-$160,000
– $800 for households earning over $160,000
Apply Now
Click on the link below and complete an application for your child to join SCG. After you apply, an LDS team member will contact you for a brief conversation to learn about your child and their needs and goals. The LDS team will then send you a placement offer to confirm a spot for your child in the program.
Applying for the Social Communication Group does not guarantee a spot for your child in the program, as spaces are limited.
Family Communication
If you want to learn more about supporting your child with their social and communication skills, explore LDS’s Family Coaching.
Family Coaching
Become a Donor
Thank you to our supporters who contribute to making our programming accessible for families in need. If you would like to contribute to our bursary fund to ensure all students have access to the educational support they deserve, please consider making a monthly or one-time donation.
Donate Contact UsThank you to our donors
Our donors play a vital role in sustaining our programming. We are so grateful for their continued support of children and youth in our community with learning differences.