Social Communication Therapy
Build meaningful connections through stronger social skills
Social communication therapy develops pragmatic language skills—reading social cues, engaging in conversation, taking turns, understanding perspectives, and navigating the unwritten rules of social interaction.
At a Glance
Session Length
45-60 minutes
Typical Duration
12-24 weeks typical
Availability
In-Person & Virtual
For
About
Social Communication Therapy
Effective communication goes far beyond vocabulary and grammar—it requires understanding the social context of language. Pragmatic language skills include knowing how to start and maintain a conversation, reading facial expressions and body language, understanding sarcasm and humor, taking another person's perspective, adjusting communication style for different audiences, and following the unspoken rules of social interaction. When these skills are challenging, it can lead to social isolation, difficulty making and keeping friends, misunderstandings at school or work, and significant anxiety around social situations.
At Horizon Speech Therapy, our social communication program uses evidence-based approaches to systematically teach and practice these critical skills. We employ Social Thinking methodology to help clients understand the 'why' behind social expectations, video modeling to demonstrate and analyze social interactions, social stories to prepare for specific situations, and peer-mediated intervention to practice skills with real social partners. Our program is available for children, teens, and adults, and can be delivered individually or in small groups. Group sessions are particularly powerful because they provide a safe, structured environment to practice social skills with peers and receive real-time coaching from our therapists.
What We Treat
Conditions
Methods
Treatment Approaches
Social Thinking Methodology
A cognitive-behavioral approach that teaches clients to observe, interpret, and respond to social situations by understanding what others are thinking and feeling.
Video Modeling
Using video recordings to demonstrate appropriate social behaviors, then analyzing and practicing the skills shown in real-life scenarios.
Social Stories
Short, personalized narratives that describe social situations, expected behaviors, and perspectives of others to prepare clients for specific interactions.
Peer-Mediated Intervention
Structured activities with trained peers that provide natural opportunities to practice social skills with real-time coaching and feedback.
Process
How It Works
Social Communication Assessment
Evaluate pragmatic language skills, social cognition, and identify specific areas of challenge across different social contexts.
Personalized Social Goals
Collaborate with the client and family to set meaningful social communication goals relevant to their daily life and priorities.
Skill Building Sessions
Teach and practice social skills through structured activities, role-play, video analysis, and real-time coaching.
Group Practice
When appropriate, participate in small group sessions to practice skills with peers in a safe, supportive environment.
Generalization & Confidence
Transfer skills to real-world settings—school, work, community—with ongoing support and strategy reinforcement.
Results
Expected Outcomes
FAQ
Common Questions
Is social communication therapy only for children with autism?
Not at all. While social communication therapy is commonly associated with autism, it benefits a wide range of individuals. Children and adults with ADHD, social anxiety, learning disabilities, traumatic brain injury, or anyone who struggles with the social aspects of communication can benefit greatly. We see clients of all ages who want to improve their ability to connect with others, navigate workplace dynamics, or build stronger relationships.
How do group sessions work, and are they better than individual therapy?
Group sessions typically include 3-5 clients of similar age and skill level, guided by a therapist who structures activities, facilitates practice, and provides real-time coaching. Groups offer something individual therapy cannot—the opportunity to practice social skills with real peers in a safe environment. However, many clients benefit from a combination of individual and group sessions: individual sessions to learn and prepare, and group sessions to practice and generalize. We'll recommend the best format based on your specific needs and goals.