Social Skills Workshop for Autism Spectrum Disorder Youths

Essential Ingredients for 12 to 16 Year Old ASD Youths

Essential Ingredients is an informative skills building Workshop designed for young people aged 12 – 16 years with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

In addition to learning practical skills that support them throughout life, young people in well-run social skills groups experience the immediate benefit of feeling understood and accepted by their peers. For children with ASD, particularly as they move into adolescence, social isolation can increase the risk of anxiety and depression. Being part of a supportive group helps reduce this isolation and strengthens emotional well-being.

Belonging to a compatible peer group provides comfort, connection, and an important foundation for positive mental health. Many participants also develop friendships that extend beyond the group sessions, creating meaningful social connections that continue over time.

  • ·       Age Range: 12 - 16 years

    ·       Gender: Mixed‑gender group

    ·       Group Size: 4–8 participants 

         

  • The program is facilitated by a registered psychologist from Lakeside Rooms, ensuring a safe, supportive, and developmentally appropriate environment. The psychologist leads all sessions and supports students in applying skills in real‑life situations.

  • Students may be referred by:

    • School well-being staff

    • Teachers or year‑level co-ordinators

    • Parents (via the school or directly to Lakeside Rooms)

    A brief screening process ensures the group is the right fit for each child.

  • Individuals are encouraged to speak with their NDIS Coordinator for more information on funding.

Boys exhibiting social skills

Krasny and colleagues (2003) have identified ten essential ingredients to social skills programs for individuals with an ASD. They are the basic, foundational skills needed to have more successful social interactions with others and are well addressed in the research literature.

The Essential Ingredients workshop aims to cover the following connect across 2.5 days:

  1. Greetings and getting to know you

  2. Identifying emotions

  3. Identifying facial expressions

  4. Continuum of emotions

  5. Tone of voice

  6. Initiating conversations

  7. Maintaining conversations

  8. Basic conversational skills

  9. Responding to the emotions of others and phone skills

  10. Manners & dinner outing

If your school is interested in offering Essential Ingredients or if you’d like further information call Lakeside Rooms today.

Enquire today