Believe it or not executive functioning and social learning go hand in hand! Social executive functioning refers to the ability to use executive functions (cognitive skills like planning, decision-making, and problem-solving) effectively in social situations. These skills are crucial for navigating social interactions, building relationships, and managing daily life. Executive functioning is not just about academics. Executive functions are needed to create social skill-building strategies. Every parent who has been told to “enroll your child in social groups” knows there is no one size fits all AND social skill building is not about just about memorizing behaviors and having "social opportunities." It is about empowering children and teens with skills, strategies, and support to navigate the world on their own terms.

​

When looking at the elements of EF skills and social cognition, we can teach children about self-monitoring, self-management, and self-advocacy. What do you notice about yourself? What do you notice about the situation? What tools can you use to access it? Strategies like editing, filtering, time management (we call it sharing the talking time), perspective-taking, and self-regulation all come into play in social interactions. How can we help a child check in with themselves, initiate, and effectively sustain a social interaction? Executive functions!

​

We think about thinking about the social situation, meta-cognition. We plan for different social contexts. We organize the tools we need to be successful. We support regulation so we can make decisions and problem-solve in real time. We strengthen those cognitive connections to work the muscles of decision-making and problem-solving so it’s not so stressful to use them in the social moment. We teach children to navigate their needs and ask for help or support when things get too hard. Social cognition is a powerful tool for accessing this critical side of social skill building and executive functions help us get there!

​

​

At The Communication Clubhouse, we specialize in supporting neurodiverse individuals by teaching the social concepts they need to thrive. We recognize that navigating social interactions can present unique challenges for neurodivergent individuals.  That’s why we’re committed to creating a safe, supportive, and respectful environment where clients feel empowered to grow in areas such as communication, social interaction, and emotional regulation.

​

But social learning doesn’t happen in a vacuum.

​

True progress happens when the entire community is involved—when parents, grandparents, teachers, caregivers, coaches, and camp counselors all have the tools and understanding to support meaningful connection. Social learning is not just about teaching skills to the individual; it’s about building a shared understanding between both sides of any relationship. When we foster empathy, awareness, and consistency in a child’s environment, we create the conditions for authentic connection and long-term success.

At its core, social learning is about relationships—how we interact, interpret, and respond to one another. We use evidence-based practices to help our clients recognize social cues, build confidence in group settings, and develop the flexibility needed for everyday interactions. And just as importantly, we work to educate the communities around them, because we believe strong, supportive relationships begin with mutual understanding.

​​​

​