Social Communication Therapy for Children & Teens Toronto

What is social communication therapy?

Social communication therapy helps kids, teens, and young adults build the skills they need to connect with others in authentic and positive ways. This may include understanding social cues, taking turns in conversation, seeing another’s perspective, and joining shared activities.

Therapy can focus on:

Conversation skills (starting, continuing, or ending conversations; staying on topic; reciprocity)
Play and cooperation (turn-taking, sharing, problem-solving together)
Non-verbal communication (tone of voice, facial expressions, body language, personal space)
Recognizing and expressing emotions in oneself and others
Perspective-taking and flexible thinking
Managing big feelings in social settings
Conflict resolution and self-advocacy
Adapting communication for online and in-person interactions

If your child has difficulty making friends, navigating group activities, or understanding social rules, social communication therapy can help.

“It’s painful to see my child struggle in social situations.”

Get social communication support

Social communication therapy at Red Oak

At Red Oak, we take a strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming approach. We don’t see differences in communication as deficits, but as unique ways of connecting. Our goal is to help children, teens, and young adults build social communication skills in ways that feel authentic, respectful, and empowering.

Whether your child needs support with cooperative play, conversational skills, interpreting non-verbal cues, or managing emotions in social settings, we work with them — and with you — to build confidence and connection.

Depending upon the nature of your child’s needs, social communication support at Red Oak is provided by either a speech-language pathologists (SLPs) or occupational therapists (OTs).

Social communication therapy approaches

SLP-based social communication therapy

Speech-language pathologists focus on conversation, play, non-verbal communication, and language skills that help children express themselves, understand others, and connect meaningfully.

OT-based social communication therapy

Occupational therapists often begin by supporting self-regulation, sensory processing, and spatial awareness — foundational skills that make it easier to engage in successful social communication.

Types of group therapy

In addition to our one-to-one social communication support, we offer dyads and small group support.

Dyads

Two clients are purposefully paired by a practitioner based on shared goals, developmental stage, and scheduling compatibility. Dyads allow for customized, flexible sessions that blend individualization with peer practice.

Small groups

Small groups of four to six participants give children and teens a chance to practise skills in real-world contexts with peers. These sessions help build confidence, support collaboration, and reinforce strategies learned in individual therapy.