6930 E. Chauncey Lane, Suite 295, Phoenix, AZ 85054 Monday – Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM  ·  Friday: By Appointment

Social Communication Therapy

Helping children decode the unwritten rules of conversation and connection — so friendships feel possible, not exhausting.

The Skills Behind Every Friendship

We help children understand unwritten social rules, read nonverbal cues, take conversational turns, and build friendships — the skills that make social situations feel manageable.

Social communication is about far more than vocabulary — it's reading body language, knowing when to speak and when to listen, understanding sarcasm or humor, and repairing a conversation when it goes sideways. For many children, especially those on the autism spectrum, these skills don't come automatically and benefit enormously from direct teaching.

We also run social groups that target functional social skills and executive functioning in a natural peer setting — giving children real practice with real feedback, not just discussion.

Signs Your Child May Benefit

  • Avoids talking, social situations, or conversation
  • Struggles to make or keep friends
  • Difficulty taking turns in conversation or reading social cues
  • Trouble understanding others' perspectives or intentions
  • Autism spectrum diagnosis or developmental differences

Areas of Social Communication

Pragmatics

The practical, everyday rules of language use — greetings, staying on topic, adjusting language for different listeners, and understanding figurative language.

Peer Interaction

Real-world practice initiating play, joining a group, sharing, and navigating conflict — often in small social groups alongside same-age peers.

Conversation Skills

Building the back-and-forth of conversation: asking questions, staying on topic, taking turns, and recognizing when a conversation partner has lost interest.

Theory of Mind

Helping children understand that others have their own thoughts, feelings, and perspectives — a foundational skill for empathy and social problem-solving.

Friendship Should Feel Possible

Help your child build the skills to connect with confidence. Schedule an evaluation to get started.

Call (602) 432-4495