More about the group facilitator, Dave Griffin. 

Dave is a certified teacher, coach, and referee. He holds multiple positions within the community in education and disability advocacy. He thrives in learning environments and excels in his position as Teen & Adult Programs Coordinator. He is a self-advocate and a sought after public speaker in the autism community for sharing his story. Dave received his undergraduate degree from Duke University, Masters Degree from Peabody at Vanderbilt University.

Sources Used:

The Science of Making Friends

Elizabeth A. Laugenson

ISBN:  978-1-118-12721-6

The Peers Curriculum for School-Based Professionals

Elizabeth A. Laugenson

ISBN: 978-0-415-62696-5

This course is based on The Science of Making Friends.

“What makes this book unique from other books that the tips and strategies we offer come directly from scientific research about what works and what doesn’t work in social situations.  We call the strategies we teach ecologically valid, which is a fancy way of saying that they work in the real world.” (Laugeson, pg. 14, The Science of Making Friends)

The source, The Peers Curriculum for School-Based Professionals, provides didactic lessons to complement Laugenson’s original text.

Course Schedule (Drop in anytime)

Dates and Times are subject to change.

Thursday, September 8, 2022, 6:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M.

• Chapter 1: Why Teach Social Skills to Teens and Young Adults?
•  Chapter 2: Finding and Choosing New Friends

Thursday, October 12, 2022, 6:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M.

• Chapter 3: Good Conversations

Thursday, November 10, 2022, 6:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M.

• Chapter 4: Starting and Entering Conversations

Thursday, December 8, 2022, 6:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M.

• Chapter 5: Exiting Conversations

Thursday, January 12, 2023, 6:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M.

• Chapter 7: Showing Good Sportsmanship

Thursday, February 9, 2023, 6:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M.

• Chapter 8: Enjoying Successful Get Togethers

Thursday, March 9, 2023, 6:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M.

• Chapter 9: Dealing With Arguments

Thursday, April 13, 2023, 6:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M.

• Chapter 10: Handling Verbal Teasing

Thursday, May 11, 2023, 6:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M.

• Chapter 6: Managing Electronic Communication
• Chapter 11: Managing Cyber Bullying

Thursday, June 8, 2023, 6:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M.

• Chapter 12: Minimizing Rumors and Gossip

Thursday, July 13, 2023, 6:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M.

• Chapter 13: Avoiding Physical Bullying

Thursday, August 10, 2023, 6:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M.

• Chapter 14: Changing A Bad Reputation