Fact Sheet:  Stretch your Social Skills Group at tOTal ability

The 5+ “Wh?” answered

Who?  Different groups are available to school-aged children, youth and adults who seek to “stretch” their social skills.  Adult groups focus on pre-employment skills.

What? tOTal ability occupational therapists along with community partners under certain circumstances (educators, counselors) lead our Stretch your Social Skills Groups.  Each group session is 1.5 hours (be that daily or weekly) and groups may run from 2 weeks (daily) or 6-10 weeks (once a week).  An initial screening assessment with participant and parent (for children) occurs prior to each group and a detailed report with recommendations is provided.  Each group has a limited number of participants. 

When?  6 to 8 week spring and autumn groups are once a week; we also offer an intensive 2 week long summer camp.  Each daily or weekly session is 1.5 hours.  Groups occur when a sufficient number of appropriate participants are registered. 

Where?  Stretch your Social Skills Groups are currently offered in Saint John only. tOTal ability’s multi-disciplinary clinic is located at 156 Westmorland Road, Suite 302, Saint John, New Brunswick.  We are on the third floor of the Blair Building, corner Northumberland.  Our building is wheelchair accessible.  

Why?  Occupational therapy based Stretch your Social Skills Groups will help with “skills for the job of living” at home, school, work and play by learning how to think socially, developing self-monitoring strategies and improving self-esteem.  The screening assessment will identify if your or your child’s participation in the group is the recommended intervention for improving social skills, alternatively, other solutions and treatment options will be identified for success.   

How? 

1.      Call 506. 652.5353 or email us to make an appointment for a Stretch your Social Skills screening assessment.  The appointment takes one hour (with parent and child/youth) and a detailed report with recommendations will be provided.  Screening cost is $157.50.

2.      If appropriate, your name or your child’s name will be placed on our waiting list for the next group session.  Parents must attend a MANDATORY education session to ensure their child’s success with this program.  Stretch Your Social Skills Groups costs vary from to depending on the length of the group, typically ranging from $400 for our 6 week session (9 direct hours plus parent class and final report) to $650 for our intensive summer camp (15 direct hours plus parent class and final report). 

Groups represent an over 55% cost savings off 1:1 OT treatment.

3.      Contact tOTal ability to arrange for a customized Stretch Your Social Skills Group we will cater to your own group of children, clients, or employees.

4.     Occupational therapy may be a benefit of extended health care insurance, motor vehicle accident insurance or disability insurance.  Occupational therapy is a tax deductible medical expense per Canada Revenue Agency.

Quoted fees in effect February 1, 2010, subject to change without notice.