SMALL GROUPS. BIG GROWTH.

Our groups

Small, neurodiversity-affirming social skills groups for kids ages 5–11 in Bend, Oregon. Every session is led by Stephanie Wilhite, MA, SLP, and built around the Social Thinking® methodology — helping kids understand the social world from the inside out, not just perform the behaviors others expect of them. Connection Club is the only practice in Central Oregon dedicated exclusively to this work.

A group of five kids smiling and leaning into each other outdoors

Every child matched carefully

OUR PROGRAMS

Social thinking develops in stages — and where a child is in that journey matters more than their diagnosis or age alone. Some of the kids we serve are autistic. Some have ADHD. Some are twice-exceptional. Some just haven't picked up the social rulebook other kids seem to figure out on their own. Every group is matched by social learning level, so kids are always practicing alongside peers who are working through the same kinds of challenges.

Ages 5–7

Early Elementary

For young children building the foundational social thinking skills that make friendships possible — learning to notice what others are thinking and feeling, read the room, and understand how their own behavior shapes the social experience of everyone around them.

Direct therapy
50 min
Activities, games, guided practice with peers
Parent education
10 min
What was covered + home carryover tips
What we work on
Whole body listening Reading the room Thinking about others Size of the problem Group plan vs. own plan Managing unexpected feelings Making a smart guess Flexible thinking
2–4 kids · 60 min · $150
Ages 8–11

Upper Elementary

For older kids navigating the more complex social landscape of upper elementary — where hidden rules, perspective taking, and flexible thinking start to matter more than ever. We help kids develop the social cognition to read situations accurately and respond with awareness.

Direct therapy
50 min
Discussion, activities, real peer practice
Parent education
10 min
What was covered + home carryover tips
What we work on
Perspective taking Hidden rules Expected vs. unexpected Managing conflict Flexible thinking Self-awareness Social problem solving Building friendships
2–4 kids · 60 min · $150

Understanding, not performance. Every session.

BY DESIGN

Why this structure works

Every part of how we run groups — the size, the format, the fact that families are part of every session — exists for a reason. Here’s what we’ve learned about what actually helps kids build social understanding that lasts.

Small enough to matter

Groups of 2–4 aren't just manageable — they're the size where every child gets seen, every voice gets heard, and no one gets lost. Big groups teach kids to perform. Small groups let them think.

Families built in

Kids spend an hour with us and the rest of the week everywhere else. Looping parents into every session means what's happening in the group room doesn't stay there — it shows up at home, at school, and on the playground.

Peers, not a script

Social thinking can't be rehearsed one-on-one. Kids need real peers to read, real moments to navigate, and real conversations that don't follow a script. That's the only way the skills transfer out of the room. The group is the therapy.

Reach out and we'll help you get started.

Every kid deserves a place where they feel understood and can practice being themselves. Let's find the right group for yours. Browse the FAQ →

Inquire about enrollment →