Making Connections Through Virtual Social Skills Groups: Alyssa's Story

Through a virtual social skills group offered by The Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh, Alyssa Bennethum discovered from the comfort of her home in rural Elkton, Md., that there are other kids like her from far away who want to learn how to be friends.

“Alyssa is a creative, imaginative, artistic, spiritual girl,” describes her mom Brigitte Bennethum. “At 9 years old, she’s working hard to define what autism means to her. Alyssa desperately seeks to form and maintain relationships in her peer group, but it’s a significant challenge. Our Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) provider suggested virtual social skills groups, and internet research connected me with The Children’s Institute.”

Students from pre-K through high school with autism, ADHD, anxiety, communication impairments, or other unique needs can benefit from the virtual social skills groups. Online 30-minute sessions, facilitated by The Children’s Institute’s expert team members, are offered one or two evenings weekly for five weeks. Each group includes a small number of participants (typically between five and eight students) to allow for a high level of interaction among the students and facilitators.

“These virtual social skills groups open doors for communication to far more children, tweens, and young adults in geographic locations around the country and across the globe,” explains Kristen Stackiewicz, M.S., associate chief school administrator. “Distance is empowering for participants, who benefit from the knowledge that they are not alone in the challenges they face. This format also expands the reach of The Children’s Institute to families who lack access to services or face scheduling demands, and for kids who learn better in their home environment.”

For students in grades 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12+, the virtual social skills groups focus on abilities they need to successfully interact with peers. Making and keeping friends, understanding peer communication, gaining attention appropriately, and accepting disappointment may be addressed. Alyssa’s class, Interacting with Friends, covered topics such as greetings, personal space, listening, and sharing. Programs for young adults include help to prepare them for job interviews and other life skills.

Virtual playgroups – for children ages 3-5 and grades K-2 – encourage using a range of social-emotional skills that are important to everyday life, from taking turns and asking for help to waiting and self-management. An adult helper must be present for younger participants and available for older children as needed. 

“I’m forever thankful for the benefits Alyssa achieved by interacting online with peers across the nation and professionals at The Children’s Institute,” Brigitte Bennethum concludes. “Alyssa is consistently applying new skills, like using her manners, and she has gained the confidence to get another child’s attention in an effective way.” 

Make a Connection
For more information about our virtual social skills groups and how to enroll your child, please visit amazingkids.org/virtual-social-skills-groups-registration.