Social Skills Therapy
Also known as: social communication support
What does Social Skills Therapy mean?
Social skills therapy supports autistic children and youth in building the skills that help them connect with others and navigate social situations — things like starting and keeping conversations, understanding different perspectives, participating in groups, advocating for themselves, and working through social challenges. Sessions may happen one-on-one or in small groups, and good programs take into account that socializing looks different for every child. The goal is not to make a child act a certain way, but to help them build meaningful connections and feel confident in social settings that matter to them.
Why this term matters
For many Canadian families, social skills therapy becomes especially relevant as children move through school and community life, where friendships, group work, and self-advocacy play a growing role. It can also support a child's sense of belonging and well-being, which matters deeply alongside academic and skill-based goals.
Canadian context
Social skills therapy may be delivered by speech-language pathologists, psychologists, or other qualified professionals in Canada, and it is sometimes an eligible expense within autism funding programs, though coverage varies by province or territory. Whether a specific program or provider is eligible is decided by the program administrator in your region.
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