SZOKOM – School Adjustment Support Group (ages 10–14)

Detailed professional description

Social and communication skills development for pupils in years 5–8
with autism spectrum disorder. The aim of the group is to build and maintain social relationships and to support
integration into the community through the development of social and communication skills.

Age group: young people in years 5–8 with ASD, social functioning difficulties or other social challenges

Focus: Difficulties adjusting to school, social and communication difficulties, anxiety,
difficulties in connecting with others.

Methodology:

• Cognitive behavioural therapy elements (e.g. rewards, reinforcement)
• Autism-specific tools (e.g. visual supports, social stories)
• Social learning, modelling
• Role play, situational exercises
• Creative, art-making activities
• Cooperative games

Development focuses on:

• recognising and expressing emotions
• learning and understanding social rules
• maintaining relationships, cooperation, and problem-solving
• self-esteem, self-protection, and assertiveness
• using verbal and non-verbal communication skills
• anxiety management
• developing mentalisation skills

Format:

• Requirement for joining the group: a parent consultation and, if necessary, an individual assessment of the child
• 3–4 individual introductory sessions with the group leader before joining the group

Group leader: Kamilla Kelemen, special education teacher and speech therapist; Zsófia Mészár, clinical psychologist