Social Groups

We offer various social groups at Growing in Motion. Check out our Facebook or Instagram for updates on what the special interest topics are.

Our current class schedule link is below. If you have a question or a group suggestion, you can email us at: groups@earlybirdtherapy.org

D.I.R./Floortime Groups

The D.I.R./Floortime® model is an evidenced-based treatment framework that helps children progress through stages of social emotional development to build a strong foundation and motivation for social interaction.

In D.I.R., the “D” is for Developmental level and takes into account that child’s social-emotional developmental level. The “I” is the Individual differences that are important for each individual child. The “R” is Relationship-Based therapy that uses play and focus on relationships to help children progress. This model can be particularly effective for children who have trouble connecting, are displaying rigid behaviors, or have challenges in responding to their play partners ideas.

We aim to group children with similar social-emotional developmental capacities. The child’s primary therapist will help us with this by providing feedback to help group the children appropriately. While a child may have some skills in a higher group, we want to shore up the foundational skills so the child can reach greater capacities.

Friendship Academy

Elementary School

How do I make a friend?
What is a good friend?
What can I do to maintain friendships?

This class will answer these questions and more, while also analyzing perspectives of communication partners and discussing feelings in various social situations.

Friendship is tricky business. Some people are meant to be friends, some people are not. This group, aimed at neurotypical, neurodiverse, and any and all abilities of children, will focus on acceptance. If friends are made in this group, fantastic! If they are not - we will also learn that this is okay - and to keep trying to connect with people.

Social Thinking and Me

Upper Elementary School and Middle School

Social thinking is an important process in understanding and responding to ourselves and others. This group will follow the social thinking framework developed by Michelle Garcia Winner. Targeted concepts will include social thinking, understanding and responding to feelings and emotions, hidden rules and expected behavior, problem and reaction sizes, thinking of oneself and others, and participation in social activities. These concepts will be explored through games, music, activities, self-reflection, and practiced group interaction!