Social Skills Groups for Children in Frankfort, Mokena, and Manteno, IL
Social skills groups at Fisher-Jost Therapy provide a structured, supportive environment where children can develop essential social communication skills alongside their peers. These small, interactive groups focus on teaching children how to initiate conversations, interpret social cues, share ideas, manage emotions, and navigate everyday social interactions. Using play-based activities, role-playing, and guided discussion, therapists help children practice skills in real-world contexts, boosting confidence and encouraging meaningful peer connections.
What Are The Benefits of Social Skills Groups?
Participating in social skills groups helps children build stronger friendships, improve communication, and develop strategies to navigate social challenges effectively. Children gain confidence in expressing themselves, understanding others, and responding appropriately in social situations. Beyond communication, these groups also enhance problem-solving, teamwork, and emotional regulation skills, giving children tools to succeed both in school and in everyday life. Families benefit from observing progress and receiving guidance to reinforce social learning at home.
Who Can Benefit from Social Skills Groups?
Social skills groups are designed for children who may struggle with social communication, peer interactions, understanding social rules and expectations, or who are otherwise engaging in social language therapy. This includes children with social language delays, pragmatic language difficulties, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, or other developmental differences that affect social interactions. Fisher Jost Therapy’s groups provide individualized support within a group setting, ensuring children receive the guidance they need while practicing with peers in a structured, encouraging environment.
Signs Your Child May Need Social Skills Groups
Early identification of social communication challenges allows children to gain the skills and confidence they need to succeed in peer interactions. Consider Social skills groups if your child exhibits some of the following behaviors:
Difficulty initiating or maintaining conversations with peers
Challenges interpreting body language, facial expressions, or tone of voice
Trouble sharing, taking turns, or collaborating during group activities
Frequent social misunderstandings or conflicts with peers
Difficulty understanding or following social rules
Limited participation in group activities or reluctance to interact socially
Parent Involvement & Home Strategies for Social Skills Groups
Parents and caregivers play a vital role in reinforcing social communication skills outside of group sessions. Practicing strategies at home helps children generalize what they learn in the group to everyday situations. Here are ways families can support social growth:
Model Social Behavior – Demonstrate positive communication, turn-taking, and polite interactions
Role-Play Scenarios – Practice common social situations at home to build confidence and problem-solving skills
Encourage Peer Play – Arrange playdates or small group interactions to reinforce social skills learned in therapy
Praise Positive Interactions – Recognize and reinforce efforts to engage, share, or cooperate with others
Discuss Emotions – Help children identify and label feelings, both theirs and others’, to improve empathy
Follow Group Guidance – Implement any strategies or exercises suggested by therapists to maintain progress