Social Groups

Affirming Social Groups for Children and Teens

EACS offers affirming social groups for autistic and neurodiverse children and teens ages 3 through 15 years, where they can connect with others around shared interests and their strengths while strengthening their areas of vulnerability.

EACS social groups are different from traditional groups. In our social groups children and placed together based on their developmental profile, individual differences, interests, and strengths and vulnerabilities. We do not teach children how to socialise, rather we take their whole self into consideration and support vulnerabilities as they arise. We often find that centering the focus of the social group to be connected to the participants’ interests is deeply motivating and promotes stronger communication and connections than using a rote curriculum.

Social groups at EACS typically have 3 - 5 participants with 1-2 DIR Floortime certified therapists. Each group meets once a week in our Oakland office for 1.25 to 1.5 hours. The groups run through the school year and have rolling admission.

Areas of Focus in Our Groups

  • Back and Forth Communication

  • Perspective Taking

  • Conflict Resolution

  • Expanding Play Skills

  • Self Regulation

  • Self Advocacy

How To Enroll

Step 1. Fill out the Social Group Application form below. The form asks questions about your child’s diagnosis, interests, support needs and availability. It helps us determine if we have an appropriate group or peer matches available. Or if there is another service that might be a better fit.

Step 2. EACS will reach out to you with an update on your application. We may have to waitlist your child due to lack of a matching group. We also may ask for a call or a brief meet and greet to meet your child to confirm their match with a group. The calls/meet and greets are free of charge as part of our onboarding process. 

Step 3. Once a placement is established for your child,  EACS will email you with the placement offer. Your child’s spot in a group will be held 48 hrs. If we do not hear from you within that time frame we cannot guarantee the space will be available. 

Step 4. Once you have accepted a placement EACS will send out onboarding information to enroll your child. This will include our contract and policies. Please note that EACS groups are billed upfront for each month and your first payment will be due within 10 days of receipt. 



Apply to our social groups by clicking below