Summer Social Skills Programs: What Parents Need to Know

Why Summer Is the Perfect Time

Summer offers a unique opportunity for children who struggle socially. Without the academic pressures of the school year, kids can focus entirely on developing their social and emotional skills in a supportive, structured environment. Summer programs also provide consistent practice over several weeks — the kind of repetition that is essential for building lasting skills.

At KPLA, our Summer Intensive program runs from June through October, giving children an extended window to practice new skills, build friendships, and carry their progress into the new school year with confidence.

What Makes a Good Summer Social Skills Program

Not all social skills programs are created equal. When evaluating options, look for programs led by licensed therapists rather than paraprofessionals or volunteers. Evidence-based curricula that have been developed and refined through clinical practice make a significant difference in outcomes.

Small group sizes are essential — groups of 4 to 8 children allow for meaningful interaction while ensuring each child receives individualized attention. Age-appropriate grouping ensures children are working with true peers. And parent involvement through regular updates, coaching sessions, or family meetings helps skills generalize to the home environment.

Preparing Your Child

Transitions can be challenging for many neurodiverse children. Help ease the process by talking about the program in advance using positive, matter-of-fact language. Visit the location beforehand if possible. Create a visual schedule showing what the summer routine will look like. And frame the experience around your child's interests and goals — not their deficits.

It is also helpful to let program facilitators know about your child's specific strengths, challenges, interests, and any sensory sensitivities or triggers. The more information the team has, the better they can support your child from day one.

What to Expect

Most summer social skills programs combine structured skill-building activities with naturalistic social opportunities. Children might practice conversation skills through role-play, work on emotional regulation during cooperative games, learn to read social cues through guided video modeling, and develop friendship skills through shared activities.

Progress may be gradual — social learning takes time and repetition. But most families see meaningful improvements by the end of the program, including increased confidence, better communication, and emerging friendships that continue beyond the group setting.