
Social Communication Group
This dynamic neuroaffirming group is developed and led by a Speech-Language Pathologist. It gives grades 5-10 students the opportunity to develop and practice social skills, emotional and personal development and build friendships.
Who
This group is for students developing and practicing social communication skills and emotional regulation. There are two cohorts, the first for grades 5-7 students and the second for grades 8-10.
Where
Social Communication Group (SCG) take place at our East Vancouver Centre.
When
SCG meets every second Tuesday from 4:00 – 5:20pm. See below for the dates for each cohort.

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 develop communication. In this group, difference is respected, and students have fun practicing their emotional regulation, 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
Experienced staff guide youth as they develop and practice their skills in a group of no more than 10 students.
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Schedule
SCG has two cohorts meeting every other week on alternating Tuesdays from September to December at our East Vancouver Learning Centre.
- Grades 5-7 meet every other week on Tuesdays from 4:00 – 5:20pm on September 12, 26, October 10, 24, November 7, 21 and December 5.
- Grades 8-10 meet every other week on Tuesdays from 4:00 – 5:20pm on September 19, October 3, 17, 31 November 14, 28 and December 12.
The goal is to offer Winter (January – March) and Spring (April – June) cohorts.
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Fees
Fees for SCG are set at a sliding scale. Please see the fee amount for the September – December 2023 cohort below. The fee you pay is based on your annual household income.
- $100 fee for income below $65,000
- $150 fee for income between $65,000 – $85,000
- $175 fee for income between $85,000 – $120,000
- $350 fee for income over $120,000
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 CoachingInstructors


Patrick D.

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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.
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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.