Building and maintaining friendships can be challenging for any child. For children with special needs—especially those who are high-functioning and in mainstream settings—the journey may come with unique hurdles. Our Friendship Skills Training for special needs is thoughtfully designed to address these challenges and help children build meaningful, lasting peer connections.

Here’s an in-depth look at how this program works, what it offers, and why it could be a valuable opportunity for your child.

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Who Can Benefit from This Training?

This friendship skills training for special needs is tailored for children who:

• Function in mainstream environments: They have no significant difficulties with reading and writing and can express themselves using simple sentences.
• Exhibit appropriate classroom behavior: They do not display disruptive behavior and are suitable for a group-based learning environment.
• Show interest in making friends: They may be eager to initiate interactions—talking to peers or inviting others to play—but still struggle to form lasting friendships.

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Understanding the Challenges

Many children with special needs are enthusiastic about socializing but face barriers such as:

• Social cues and interaction skills: Difficulty knowing when or how to start a conversation or interpreting others’ behavior.
• Sustaining interactions: Trouble keeping a conversation going long enough to build a bond.
• Recognizing healthy friendships: Learning to tell the difference between positive and less constructive interactions is vital.

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What Does the Training Include?

Our Friendship Skills Training for special needs includes interactive and practical components that help children overcome these hurdles:

1. Identifying Good and Bad Friends

• Children learn the traits of positive friendships through role-play and discussion.
• They explore how trust, respect, and kindness shape a good relationship—and what warning signs to watch for in unhealthy ones.

2. Understanding Friends’ Interests and Personality

• Children develop awareness of their own and others’ interests.
• They learn how shared hobbies or interest can become the foundation of a friendship.
• Through group discussions and role-play, they practice starting conversations and finding common ground.

3. Realizing That Making Friends Takes Time

• Children are taught that friendships don’t form instantly—they take effort and repeated interactions.
• They’ll practice ice-breakers, learn to manage initial awkwardness, and understand the importance of patience and consistency.

4. Maintaining and Nurturing Friendships

• Sessions focus on communication skills like active listening, empathy, and expressing feelings clearly.
• Conflict resolution is introduced as a healthy, normal part of friendships.
• Children learn to respect and appreciate differences while building stronger, lasting connections.

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Training Details

• Start Date: Mid of May 2025
• Duration: 15 sessions
• Schedule: Every Monday, from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM

This consistent schedule allows children to build on their skills week by week, with ample time for practice and reflection in a supportive group environment.

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Conclusion

Our Friendship Skills Training for special needs offers a thoughtful, structured, and supportive path to helping children connect with others and develop real friendships. By focusing on what makes a healthy friendship, how to build and sustain one, and how to overcome common social barriers, this program empowers children to grow both socially and emotionally.

If you’re looking for a way to help your child thrive socially, we invite you to join us on this meaningful journey toward building strong, lasting friendships.

The Benefits of Social Skills Training for Children with Special Needs

Helping Children with ADHD: The Positive Impact of Behavior Therapy

Supporting Autism Through After-School Activities Program

Empowering Growth: The Five Essential Services at Kidz Steps Centre for Special Needs