Kid Connect is a social skills group for children on the autism spectrum.

Kid Connect is a 6-week series of weekly sessions held in-person on Wednesday evenings in Carlsbad, CA.

The group is led by Roxanne Pratt, a licensed clinical mental health counselor, and Mercedes Pratt, a licensed psychologist.

The program is Neurodiversity-affirming: respecting and supporting how children on the autism spectrum naturally think, communicate and experience the world. We are not trying to teach them to “act more typical” or mask. We are focusing on enhancing their social interactions so that friends can see their authentic self. We do not teach them that they need to act a certain way to be accepted by others or for the comfort of others.

Each week focuses on a particular skill. Weekly modules include:

• Self expression
• Connecting with others - building meaningful connections
• Cooperating with others
• Having fun and getting along
• Sharing with others - sharing experiences; and emotional sharing
• Safety among others

The sessions will include a combination of hands-on activities, role plays, short videos and discussion, art-related activities, and instruction.

Basic group principles:

We honor the diverse ways people experience and connect with the world around them. We celebrate each person’s unique interests, goals, and communication styles. We encourage group members to participate in the way they are comfortable. There is no one right way to engage. No group member is “forced” to participate in any way that doesn’t feel authentic or safe. The purpose of the group is for participants to learn new skills, practice those skills, and safely discuss social issues if they would like to do that.

It is a group to learn new skills, practice those skills, and safely discuss social issues if participants would like to do that.

Groups are forming now.

If you think your child may benefit from this group, and are interested in learning more, please contact Roxanne Pratt by phone or email:

858-353-3499

Roxanne@TherapyUp.me

Roxanne Pratt is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). She is licensed in California, Florida, Georgia, Washington State, and Utah, and is board certified as a National Certified Counselor (NCC) by the National Board for Certified Counselors. She is also a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES). Roxanne received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Michigan, a master’s degree in educational psychology from Baylor University, and a master’s degree in public health, specializing in health behavior, from the University of Georgia. Roxanne has more than 20 years of experience counseling children, teens, adults and families.

Mercedes Pratt is Licensed Psychologist specializing in working with children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety disorders, and developmental differences. She has experience facilitating social skills groups for children, teens, and adults with autism. Mercedes is licensed in California and Texas. She earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Bowling Green State University in Ohio and completed specialized post-doctoral training at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center/Children’s Health Center for Autism and Developmental Disorders. Mercedes is a certified provider of the UCLA PEERS social skills program (Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills). In addition to her work with Therapy Up, Mercedes is a pediatric psychologist at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego.