Social Groups

Affirming Social Groups for Children and Teens

EACS offers affirming social groups for autistic and neurodiverse children and teens ages 3 to 15 years. Our social groups allow children to connect with peers 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 the whole child into consideration, supporting social and developmental vulnerabilities that may be leading your child to “miss the mark” socially.

EACS finds that centering the focus of the social group around participants’ interests is deeply motivating. This can lead to 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 year round 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 request a call or a brief meet and greet to determine the right social group for your child. The call / meet and greets are free of charge. We may have to waitlist your child due to lack of a matching group.

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. 



Social Group Info.

  • EACS social groups run Monday - Thursday between 3:30 - 6:30pm. Usually younger children are placed in the earlier group and older children are placed in the later group. This may vary.

  • We offer two groups at 3:30pm and two groups at 5:00pm.

  • The earlier group is 1.25 hours and the later group is 1.5 hours.

  • The social groups run year round, including during summer. We are closed for major federal holidays.

  • EACS are vendors with the Regional Center of the East Bay for our social groups only (this excludes one on one sessions, speech therapy and psychotherapy).

  • If you wish for RCEB to pay for EACS social groups, please contact your RCEB case manager. All clients are private pay until a contract has been established between RCEB and EACS.