movie clapperThe “Acting Social”™ Social Skills Program

The “Acting Social”™ Social Skills program is designed to address the needs of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Nonverbal Learning Disability, and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Recent research shows that formal social skills training is more effective when social skills are directly taught and role-playing and videotaping methods are utilized. All of these elements are incorporated into the program, which generally seeks to improve participants’ ability to read and respond appropriately to social cues, develop deep and lasting friendships, and communicate effectively. However, each individual program is tailored to its participants in terms of the specific skills taught.

Each program has a set schedule of weekly or every other week meetings for a 6 or 8 week time period, depending on the time of year. Summer sessions are typically shorter and meet more that once per week, while programs that run during the school year are typically longer and meet every week or every other week. Each session lasts for 1 hour and 15 minutes. There are a maximum number of individuals enrolled (usually 6 -8) and once the maximum number has been reached or the registration deadline has been met (whichever comes first), registration is closed and will not reopen until the next program begins. Currently, the programs are divided into 4 different age groups: High School, Middle School, Upper Elementary (grades 3-5), and Lower Elementary (grades K- 2). Availability of a program for a particular age group at any given time is also dependent upon a minimum number of enrollees.

The sessions are run by psychologist, Sue Barrick Miller, Ph.D., and at least one other licensed professional. The cost is $60.00 per session. Unfortunately, there are no refunds for missed sessions. All participants must undergo a 30-minute pre-program interview (at no cost to the individual), unless he/she is a former or current patient of the practice. An attempt is made to accept individuals into a specific group who are at approximately at the same skill level. If interested in signing up for an upcoming group, go to the “Pre-registration” page and provide the requested information.