Social skills groups give children and teens a supportive place to practise communication, friendship and emotional-regulation skills with peers. Positive Kids uses structured teaching, guided practice and feedback to help participants work toward more confident social interactions at school, at home and in the community.

Every group is different. Age, developmental readiness, goals and the current mix of participants all matter when deciding whether a program is a good fit. Our intake team can explain current options without promising a particular outcome.

Who may benefit from a social skills group?

A group may be helpful for a child or teen who finds it difficult to:

• Start, maintain or end conversations
• Make and keep friends
• Listen, take turns or notice when another person wants to speak
• Interpret body language, tone of voice or common social cues
• Join activities and cooperate with peers
• Handle disagreement, rejection or changing plans
• Express needs and difficult feelings respectfully
• Manage strong emotions in social situations
• Build confidence and self-advocacy

Group participation is not automatically the right starting point for every child. Intake helps determine whether the available group, individual support or another service is more appropriate.

Age groups and group fit

Younger children

Younger groups may use play, stories, games and guided activities to practise sharing, turn-taking, identifying feelings, flexible thinking and early friendship skills.

Older children and teens

Groups for older participants may focus on conversation, confidence, self-monitoring, emotional regulation, peer pressure, boundaries, conflict resolution and social problem-solving.

Age ranges vary by program. Children are matched using more than chronological age; readiness, communication style and group goals also influence fit. Please contact intake for the age range of the next available group.

Skills taught and practised

• Active listening and conversational give-and-take
• Reading social cues and body language
• Joining a group and inviting others to participate
• Friendship skills, empathy and perspective-taking
• Assertive communication and healthy boundaries
• Conflict resolution and collaborative problem-solving
• Emotional awareness, coping and self-regulation
• Flexibility, cooperation and handling disappointment
• Self-esteem, responsibility and confidence

What happens during a group?

Sessions may combine direct instruction, modelling, role-play, social coaching, worksheets, games, discussion and real-time practice with peers. Facilitators provide feedback and help participants reflect on how a skill can be used outside the group.

The exact structure depends on the age group, program goals and professional leading the session. Positive Kids may also offer specialized therapeutic groups, confidence-building programs, emotional-regulation groups or seasonal camps at different times.

Program format, schedule and group size

Program length, meeting frequency, group size and delivery format can change from one offering to another. Groups are kept purposeful so participants can receive guidance and have opportunities to practise, but no fixed group size is guaranteed on this page. Intake will confirm the current schedule, expected number of participants, session length and any attendance expectations before registration.

How parents participate

Parent or caregiver participation depends on the child’s age and the group format. Families may receive general direction, practice ideas or progress information so new skills can be reinforced at home, school and in the community. Confidentiality and the privacy of other group members are respected.

Locations and virtual availability

Positive Kids’ head office is at 420 Britannia Road East, Suite 200A, Mississauga, Ontario. The location of each group and the availability of virtual participation depend on the current program, participant needs and clinical appropriateness. Ask intake which in-person or virtual options are currently open.

Registration process

1. Contact intake. Share your child’s age, the situations that are difficult and the skills you hope they can practise.
2. Discuss fit. The team reviews current groups, readiness, goals and whether another service may be a better starting point.
3. Review program details. Before registering, confirm dates, location or virtual format, group size, fees, cancellation terms and facilitator credentials.
4. Complete registration. If the program is a suitable fit and space is available, the intake team will provide the current registration instructions.

Current availability, fees and insurance

Group schedules and openings change throughout the year. Fees can vary by program. Insurance reimbursement depends on the professional providing the service and the terms of your benefits plan. Ask your insurer which professional designation and documentation it requires, and confirm the program details with Positive Kids before registering.

Relevant professionals

Social skills programs may be supported by professionals with different training and roles. Visit the Positive Kids team page and ask intake to confirm who will lead a specific group, their credentials and their experience with the program’s age group and goals.

Frequently asked questions

Are social skills groups a form of therapy?

Some programs may be therapeutic, while others may focus on coaching, education or structured skills practice. Intake can explain the scope of the specific program and the credentials of the facilitator.

Does my child need a diagnosis to participate?

Requirements vary by program. A diagnosis should not be assumed to be required or sufficient for group placement; goals, readiness and the available group mix also matter.

Do you offer autism-specific social skills groups?

Availability and suitability vary. Tell intake what support your child needs so the team can explain whether a current program is autism-specific, inclusive of different neurotypes or better replaced by individualized support.

Can a teen join?

Positive Kids may offer age-specific groups for older children and teens. Contact intake for the current age range rather than relying on an older program schedule.

Can my child attend virtually?

Virtual participation depends on the program, facilitator, child’s age and whether the format supports meaningful group interaction.

What if a group is not the right fit?

The team may suggest another starting point, such as individual counselling, parenting support, executive functioning coaching or the ADHD support hub, depending on the concern.

Ask about the next social skills group

Contact Positive Kids to discuss program fit, current availability, schedules, fees and registration. Speak with the intake team.

Program information and availability can change. This page provides general information and does not guarantee admission, a specific service format or particular results.