Developing social skills and competencies is an important part of independent life at CIP. For individuals on the autism spectrum or with a learning difference, social and emotional growth precedes all other growth.
CIP offers both individual and small group sessions to discuss topics and practice real-life social situations. Instructors work in key areas such as perspective-taking, reciprocal conversation, body language, eye contact, and social awareness.
CIP’s Social Skills team helps students to:
PEERS® for Young Adults is an evidence-based social skills program aimed at assisting young adults interested in learning skills to make and keep friends and develop romantic relationships. PEERS® covers a range of age-appropriate topics in a small group format. The PEERS® topics and associated language are utilized across various CIP departments helping to contextualize, practice, and generalize concepts.
CIP provides social skills support for students who benefit from one on one assistance. Students discuss and role play real-life social situations, develop strategies to enter and exit conversations, and receive personalize support for their unique needs. Students can also learn skills in interactive settings and out in the community.
Research shows that modeling behavior by peer mentors in real-life situations carries the highest degree of learning success. CIP students are matched with a carefully selected social mentor who serves as a peer and a generational (social) translator. Mentors accompany students on outings, connecting students’ special interests with opportunities to practice social competencies in a variety of relaxed and real-world settings.
Students who wish to seek a higher level of leadership skills development and experience can participate in learning modules and hands-on opportunities designed to strengthen their leadership skills and abilities. Students will gain a better understanding of the definition of leadership and its associated knowledge and skills. This includes the concept of leadership; varied leadership styles are foundational in developing personal, organizational, and community leadership skills.
Student Council holds regular meetings and develops a variety of fundraisers, social events, and outings. The Student Council decides how funds raised will be spent and allocated. Elections are held in the fall and each officer has responsibilities throughout the year. Students learn to develop and refine their leadership skills and to self-advocate and communicate effectively. Students learn to work together to live more independently, often making lifelong friends and social connections.
All students from CIP’s Centers across the US have the opportunity to participate together in an exciting and educational staff-led travel experience during the mid-term winter break. These unique adventures provide an excellent opportunity for students to broaden their horizons, practice their newfound skills, and learn about other cultures in a safe, supervised environment.
We’ve been helping young adults on the autism spectrum and with learning differences find success in college, employment, and independent living since 1984.
Learn more about one of the world’s most comprehensive programs for young adults with learning differences
