“I think that [Dr. Brooke] is excellent.  He is relatable to the [teens] and fun enough to keep their attention.  We are learning new terminology and concepts that we haven’t heard before.”   

-HG (mother of a 12-y-o teen) -Beaverton, OR

Is your teen or young adult struggling socially?  Does he or she lack close friendships? 

For a child who isn’t on the Asperger’s spectrum, making friends and knowing the “rules” of social interactions can come so naturally.  However, for teens on the spectrum, succeeding socially does not come naturally; it’s like they are being required to learn calculus and nobody has even given them a text book or clear instructions!  Unstructured time with peers in the classroom, in the hallways, and after school is a minefield of social “do’s and don’ts” that remain an anxiety-provoking mystery.    

Social Skills Groups

Younger Teens (12-14), Older Teens (15-18)

and a JUST Girls Group (14-18)

Upcoming Groups!!

Summer 2010 Social Skills Groups for

Younger Teens (12-14), Older Teens (14-19)

Portland Groups:

When:  July 26^th-August 13^th (3 weeks); Mondays, Thursdays, & Fridays

Which groups at which times:

Younger Teens (Ages 12-14) from 9:00AM-10:15AM;

         Plus parent support group (required) at 8:00-8:50 July 30^th & August 13^th

Older Teens (Ages 14-19) from 10:30AM-11:45AM;

Plus parent support group (required) at 11:45-12:35 July 30^th & August 13th

What Dates: July 26, 29, 30; August 2, 5, 6, 9, 12, 13^th

Where: My Portland Office, 516 SE Morrison ST, Suite 1010, Portland, OR 97214

How do I reserve a place for my child in the group?

Teens and young adults on the spectrum get lonely too!

Making friends is something that everybody desires.  However, individuals “on the spectrum” benefit from supportive help in learning the unwritten rules of being social.  Unfortunately, getting teased, feeling anxious in social settings, and feeling lonely happen all too often for teens and adults “on the spectrum” because the social interactions are so confusing.

Some kids are just awkward in social situations.  Won’t my child grow out of this when they get older?

For someone on the spectrum, social interactions generally don’t become easier to understand as they get older unless he or she gets consistent, concrete help from a skilled professional.   In fact, behaviors that were tolerated when he or she was young child, such as yelling at a peer, abruptly walking away from a social interaction, or making a rude comment are taken more seriously as he or she gets older.  For example, yelling at a co-worker could result in dismissal from employment, abruptly leaving a conversation with one’s boss could result in a stern reprimand, and a rude comment to a person of the opposite sex can result in accusations of sexual harassment.  Thus, having consistent practice in learning the rules of social situations is some of the most important work for young adults on the spectrum.  

Your teen or young adult can be more successful in social situations.

Some of the skills that they can learn during therapy sessions with me include

• Learning how to be a good listener
• Reading a peer’s body language
• Initiating conversations with peers
• Learning to compromise
• Coping effectively with peer conflicts 

How can Dr. Brooke help?

I tailor services to your teen or young adult’s needs.  Services include individual therapy, social sessions that include another peer, and social skills groups that include four or more peers.  For each format, your teen or young adult gets opportunities become better at understanding, tolerating, and succeeding in social situations. 

Why is Dr. Brooke a good fit for your child or young adult?

 I received my training in helping people who are on the spectrum at a school in New Jersey (The Douglas Developmental Disabilities Center, New Brunswick, NJ) that exclusively provided services for children, adults, and families in which the enrolled child or adult was on the spectrum.  I had the opportunity to work with hundreds of children and young adults.  They taught me that there is no typical person on the spectrum.  I’m able to use this professional experience to tailor treatment to the specific needs of your teen or young adult.  In addition, I have knowledge of the various vocational, behavioral, speech, and medical resources in the Portland/Vancouver area to help your teen or young adult. 

What are Parents saying about Dr. Brooke's groups?

“When I considered having [my teen] attend the group, I was worried that she might experience herself as somehow “defective,” but she actually seems to like coming!  I would recommend the group.  It seems to address teens’ issues in a respectful way with very specific tools.”     -WE (mother of an 18-y-o teen)- Portland, OR

“Over the past couple of months [my teen] has become more interested in having and doing things with his friends.  He spends a lot of time on the phone (which he never did before) and likes to go visit his new friends at their house.  [He’s] acting much more like a typical teenager.”     -AC (mother of a 12-y-o teen) –Hillsboro, OR 

“He enjoys attending [the group] and seems to enjoy spending time with the other boys.  It has improved his self confidence.”    -SH (mother of a 12-y-o teen) –Beaverton, OR

“My teen has fun in the group.  He’s learning to tell when people are tired of listening to what you are talking about.  He’s learning to pay attention to people he is talking to.  He’s meeting other kids [on the spectrum].  I wish there were more sessions.  Thank-you!”  -BT (mother of a 17-y-o teen) –Portland, OR

What are teens saying about Dr. Brooke's groups?

“The peers are cool! I’ve learned to be more confident and trust others.”  -FT (15 y-o teen)   –Vancouver, WA

“I like socializing and learning about others”    -GK (17 y-o teen) –Vancouver, WA

“I like everything [about the group]—the games and the videos and when we watch Wallace and Gromit!  I liked learning about friendly teasing and the unfriendly teasing.  I want more game time [in the group].”  -LP  (12 y-o teen) -Portland, OR

“I like seeing and meeting new friends and learning how to fit in.”  -TY (12-y-o teen) -Vancouver, WA

I have convenient locations in Portland, OR and Vancouver, WA.  Give me a call, and we can discuss setting up an appointment.  

Ph: 503-235-8696

*On the spectrum:  individuals with social skills deficits don’t necessarily meet all the symptom requirements to be diagnosed with Asperger’s disorder, autism, or a non-verbal learning disability (NVLD).  “On the spectrum” is used to include any individual who might have some or all of the social skills deficits, communication deficits, and restricted interests that characterize individuals on the spectrum.  An individual may benefit from treatment to address anxiety and social skills deficits even if he or she does not meet all the criteria for a formal diagnosis.  If you have questions, please give me a call at 503-235-8696.

 Quotes are unsolicited from clients.  Initials and some information have been changed to protect client privacy.