The Asperger Institute is committed to providing therapeutic services that are innovative, research based, and specific to the needs of the individuals and families we serve. Group treatment is a particularly appropriate therapeutic modality for the development of social and emotional skills, as peer interaction is a critical element of skill practice and generalization.

The most prominent challenge facing individuals with Asperger Syndrome and related conditions is typically an inability to relate socially and interact positively with others. Most individuals with Asperger Syndrome have a desire to have friends and behave in more socially typical ways but lack the prerequisite skills. Poorly developed social skills arise from the unfortunate synergy between underlying constitutional differences and years of lack of opportunity. Children who are considered different by others are frequently ignored, distanced, or persecuted. Adults who are thought to be odd may find themselves socially isolated and often rejected by coworkers. In this process fundamentally weak social skills atrophy further over time.

We all know that improving social skills is desirable, but there is some disagreement on how to best achieve this goal. There is not a one-size-fits-all approach that is best for everyone. Research tells us that a critical element of successful social skills training is the provision of true interactive experiences. These experiences make social concepts concrete and promote generalization, as individuals with Asperger Syndrome and related conditions often have difficulty understanding how a skill applies in real life. This is accomplished by:

  • teaching parents ways to help practice a skill
  • encouraging interaction among members between sessions
  • giving assignments between sessions that encourage social practice
  • embedding social skill work in real life settings such as recreational activities
  • providing a progression of skills that builds from simple social interaction to relationship development
  • assisting the individual to develop one friend with whom social and emotional reciprocal interaction provides a natural learning atmosphere

The Asperger Institute has developed a range of social skills interventions that address the array of social problems experienced by children, adolescents, and adults. Our programs are based on research that tells us which skill problems need to be addressed and what works best with different populations. In addition, our programs include a mechanism for ongoing self-evaluation to help us determine which interventions are most effective for the individuals we serve. Our social skills program is comprised of social skills training groups, facilitated recreation groups, therapeutic support groups, and psychoeducational groups. Each is described below.

Social Skills Training Groups
These groups aim at teaching and generalization of specific social skills. Individuals are grouped by age, skill level, or specific need. A special group for girls by themselves is offered. For children, parents receive training in social facilitation, as they are in the best position to provide generalization experiences. For older adolescents and adults, guided interaction among members during the week provides generalization experience. The following groups are under formation:

Therapeutic Support Groups
Therapeutic support groups are designed to provide information and support to groups of individuals who are touched by Asperger Syndrome or related conditions. Sometimes the best support comes from others who share the same experience. Our groups are led by specialists in the field and provide support to:

Parent training groups
Parent training groups offer specific strategies for developing social interactions or managing challenging behaviors typical in children with Asperger Syndrome and related conditions.

Psychoeducational Groups
Psychoeducational Groups provide useful instruction to individuals who share a particular diagnosis or concern. A group may last only one or two sessions or may be more ongoing, depending on the topic. The psychoeducational group currently being offered is organized around the topic of:

Facilitated Recreation Groups
When we are excited about our passionate interests, we find common ground with people who share our enthusiasm. Our facilitated recreation groups are based on the premise that it is easier to develop friendships with those who share our interests. They are designed to provide a focused activity through which children have the opportunity to meet potential friends who share their interests. Parents will be instructed in strategies for helping their children make social connections. The groups are led by professionals specializing in a wide range of subjects from science to drama to yoga. Leaders are aided by trained assistants who help participants make connections with others while they are having fun. Current plans include groups focused on:

How to Apply
If you are interested in participating in any of the groups being offered at the Asperger Institute, please click here to view descriptions of the group experiences we are currently offering. You may also click here to go directly to our interest survey. Other groups may be formed in response to identified need, so please provide us with your contact information and specific interests. Costs vary depending upon the type of activity and the duration of the group. Involvement in groups is preceded by a brief intake appointment do our best to meet an individual's specific need. Group members are expected to attend regularly and to be able to participate without disrupting the experience for others.

If you think you or someone you know might benefit from this therapeutic support group, please click here and complete the interest survey. For more information about our groups, please contact Leslie Sickels at 212-652-1961 or leslie.sickels@nyumc.org. Thank you!