Not All Social Skills Groups Are Created Equally: How to Choose the Right One for Your Child
You've probably seen lots of “social groups” being promoted on Facebook…I know I have.
But here's the thing: not all “social skills groups” are created equally.
There's a big difference between types of social groups and how they really support your child’s social development.
Many of these so-called “social skills groups” only give your child a space to hang out with other kids, but that’s not enough. They may not actually be teaching the skills your child needs to navigate the complexities of friendships, conversations, and social interactions.
If you want your child to truly learn and apply social skills, like:
→ having back-and-forth conversations
→ being honest without hurting someone’s feelings
→ knowing when and how to interrupt appropriately, or
→ learning how to talk about other people’s interests instead of only their own
You have to ask the right questions to make sure the group is actually going to help your child learn, not just provide another place for them to play.
So, here are the 7 questions you should ask a group instructor before enrolling your child in their “social skills group”.
7 Questions to Ask Before Joining a Social Skills Group
If you’re serious about helping your child improve their social skills, don't just rely on the group description or label of “social skills group”. Ask these key questions to make sure the group is truly designed to support your child's social development.
1. What specific social skills are taught in the group?
Many groups claim to teach social skills, but without a structured curriculum focusing on initiating and maintaining conversations, reading body language, handling conflicts and more, your child may not actually learn what they need.
Social skills development requires more than just being in the same room with other kids.
Make sure the group has clear objectives and lessons that target these skills.
2. Who is leading the group?
This might be the most important question of all, because not everyone is qualified to teach social skills.
The best social skills groups are run by experts, like licensed speech-language pathologists (SLPs) or psychologists. These professionals are trained to understand social development and communication, and they know how to teach evidence-based strategies that actually help your child learn these skills.
Other instructors without these qualifications might provide a space where your child can socialize, but they often don’t have the same level of expertise and training that is required to truly help your child improve and make a real difference in their social development.
Your child deserves to be in a group led by someone who knows what they’re doing. So don’t be afraid to ask group instructors about their background, qualifications, and experience before enrolling.
3. How will social skills be taught in the group?
This is a big one. Ask if the group uses evidence-based practices, like the PEERS® curriculum which has been proven to teach social skills effectively. Structured approaches give your child practical tools they can use in real life, rather than relying on spontaneous or unplanned interactions, which might not offer the guidance your child needs. If the group doesn’t have a solid framework, it’s unlikely your child will gain the meaningful, lasting social skills they need.
4. How do you assess each child’s social skill level and progress?
A good social skills group will evaluate your child’s starting point and regularly check in on their progress, making changes as needed to focus on areas that your child might continue to struggle with. They’ll also make sure that your child is with other kids that have similar needs so that they can learn and practice together.
5. How are social interactions guided and coached during the group?
Group instructors should be actively involved in guiding your child’s interactions, offering real-time coaching and feedback to help them improve. It’s not enough for an instructor to just supervise and let kids play. There needs to be consistent guidance. Ask how they coach and support children through difficult social situations and how they offer tips during interactions to help kids navigate social situations like disagreements or misunderstandings.
6. What’s the group size and structure?
Smaller groups provide more individualized attention. Find out how many kids are in the group and whether there's a balance between instruction and real-life practice of the skills that are being taught. The more structured and intimate the group, the better the chances that your child will get the attention and practice they need.
7. Is the group learning environment neurodiversity-affirming?
It’s important that the group supports different ways of thinking and interacting, especially for neurodiverse kids who need extra support understanding social “rules” that don’t always come easily, while also teaching your child how to navigate social situations in ways that feel comfortable and respectful to them as well as others.
Why These Questions Matter
For many families, the difference between a social gathering and a true social skills group isn’t obvious.
Simply put, not all “social skills groups” are the same, and being in a group of peers may not be enough to help your child build the skills they need for the rest of their life.
A good social skills group will help your child learn the skills they need to form friendships, maintain great conversations, and handle social challenges with confidence.
If your child is in a social skills group that doesn’t provide direct instruction in social skills, they may continue to feel disconnected or unsure of how to interact with others.
When your child learns these foundational skills, they will be set up for success, not just in childhood, but for the rest of their lives.
By asking the right questions and making sure the group is run by a qualified professional, you can feel confident that your child is not just attending another playgroup, but gaining life-changing skills they need to grow socially.
What Makes Our Social Skills Groups Different
At Pyzza Speech Therapy, we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach.
We believe in meeting your child where they are, and providing personalized support that respects their individuality.
We believe that social skills are just as important as academic skills.
Because having the ability to:
→ communicate clearly
→ understand social cues
→ resolve conflicts
→ advocate for themselves, and
→ work well with others in group settings
are foundational skills that will impact your child’s personal and professional life FOREVER.
These skills can also reduce feelings of isolation, boost self-confidence, and improve mental health, giving them a sense of belonging in social circles.
That’s why our groups are designed to teach your child the skills they need to interact with others in ways that feel natural to them, in a safe, supportive space where they can learn, practice, and gain confidence in their abilities.
Ready to Help Your Child Grow Socially?
Choosing the right social skills group is more than just providing your child with opportunities to socialize.
It’s about finding a group that provides structured, expert-led instruction to help your child truly learn how to thrive in social situations.
If you're ready to help your child learn the skills they need to build lasting friendships and communicate with confidence, I’d love to talk to you about how our social skills groups can support them!
⬇️ Sign up for our social skills group waitlist below to learn more about our upcoming programs!