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Our program, SC3 Academy, helps neurodivergent kids and teens become socially competent, confident, and connected so they can make and keep friends!

 
Have you ever felt like you can see your child struggling, but you don't know how to help?

This is how I felt when I worked in the school system. I got called when kids were hurting others, eloping, disrupting the classroom, damaging property, etc. 

I was really good at diffusing very difficult situations. 

And I also started noticing all the kids who WEREN'T engaging in these extreme behaviors.

The kids who were floating from day to day socially neglected by their peers. Or struggling day to day socially rejected by their peers. 

I started Starfish Social Club in 2016 for these children.

The kids who were struggling to make friends.

The teens who had a reputation for being 'shy' or annoying.

The students who could easily go an entire day and not have a single social interaction.

The children who couldn't seem to figure out the whole 'social' thing.

During lockdown, I very reluctantly transitioned to teaching via Zoom.

You know what? It was awesome!

The kids were really engaged, they enjoyed seeing each other just as much as when they were in person, and I figured out how to teach with zero resources.

And that's when my curriculum, SC3 Academy, was born.
Now Starfish Social Club offers in-person classes in San Antonio, TX, Zoom classes to kids all over the US, and a licensing and coaching program helping people start their own social club like ours!

 

I'm grateful to have found my place in the world, and I'm excited to help your kiddo do the same!

 

What Our Students Learn:

IDENTITY

8 weeks to a reputation overhaul

 

1. What is a reputation and why does it matter?

2. Group vs. alone behavior

3. Creating a reputation for being smart (pt. 1)

4. Creating a reputation for being smart (pt. 2)

5. Creating a reputation for being funny

6. Creating a reputation for being kind

7. Giving feedback to others

8. Receiving feedback from others

(This module is also available in a pre-recorded online version. Click orange arrow above to get access to it now!)

Student Outcomes:

  • Social competence: students learn the what, when, and how of social situations in a straightforward context. They become more aware of how their choices affect their reputation, and learn simple, practical actions they can take to change their reputation if they choose to do so.

 

  • Social confidence: students practice what they learn in a safe setting with other kids who are learning the same things. Confidence comes from repeated successful practice with genuine, helpful feedback.

 

  • Social connection: All our students are neurodivergent, meaning there are a lot of shared experiences. Our students support, and are supported by, each other as they form authentic, powerful connections within the group.

Family Outcomes:

 

  • Social competence: you will learn simple, practical actions you can take immediately to support your unique kid along their social journey. You will discover powerful strategies and phrases that will help your child develop critical thinking skills, socially and beyond.

 

  • Social confidence: Each week we will have the opportunity to discuss and practice genuine scenarios involving exceptional families and their unique kids, including yours! You'll gain comfort in your ability to support your child's growth.

 

  • Social connection: We have weekly sessions with other parents who are experiencing breakthroughs with their kids and helping them create thriving relationships! You aren't in this alone!

AWARENESS

October - December

 

1. What is a detour and why is it important?

2. Inferencing (What do things actually mean?)

3. Interpreting nonverbal signals during conversations

4. Analyzing humor feedback

5. Noticing others' interests

6. Remembering others' interests

7. Using our social memory to have meaningful conversations

8. Generating gift ideas using our social memory

ENGAGEMENT

January - March

 

1. Joining a conversation

2. Maintaining a conversation

3. Changing the topic (and select context-appropriate topics)

4. Social filter and the social fake

5. Leaving a conversation

6. Initiating a conversation

7. Electronic Communication (texting, emailing, social media)

8. Asking for help

CONNECTION

March - May

  

1. The Problem with 'Stranger Danger'

2. The Acquaintance Ship

3. The Team Ship

4. The Club Ship

5. The Friend Ship

6. The Partner Ship

7. The Kin Ship

8. Jumping Ship

SSC Academy is not a 'hang out' or a babysitting service. It is not a place to learn 'manners'. It's a place to learn, grow, and have fun alongside other students who are doing the same thing!

You can keep trying other therapies that don't provide natural social rewards.

You can keep advocating for 1/1 services that don't teach social awareness.

You can keep waiting for your child to 'outgrow' their social learning challenges.

Or you can join us on the journey to your child's brightest future!

Summer 'Identity' Module (Zoom)

$1997 (8 week program)

Includes:

  •  Live, 1-hour lessons via Zoom each week (see above for more information on the content in the Identity module)
  • Live, 1-hour parent training/support via Zoom each week
  • Activity sheets that go along with each lesson to reinforce concepts at home

This option is open to students 7-21 regardless of diagnosis. It is for students who have average to above average intellectual and communication skills and can participate in the discussion via Zoom, ideally independently.

Summer registration is now closed.

Summer Game Time (San Antonio, TX)

$1197 (8 week program)

Includes:

Our local students attend Starfish Social Club for 2 hours a week to practice their social skills in a safe, supportive environment. Kids can play games (board games, card games or pretend games) or just chat with each other. The focus is on being part of a group and giving and receiving social feedback.

We do not teach our curriculum in the summer, but students who join in the summer are automatically eligible to continue with us in the fall.

This option is open to students 7-21 regardless of diagnosis or ability. It is most beneficial for students who have average to above average intellectual and communication skills.

Summer registration is now closed.

Registration automatically includes a 1/1 call with Steph. If you would like to speak to her before you register, click here to schedule a time.

Schedule a Call

THE 'WHAT IF MY CHILD DOESN'T LIKE IT?' GUARANTEE

The fact that you’re reading this section means you already know this is what your child needs, but perhaps you still have a bit of doubt. Hesitation. Risk. I get it. Like…

"What if my child doesn't like it?

Or won't participate?”

Well that’s simple. Try it!

Guarantee #1:

Try the first class

Try the first lesson and first game time. If you or your child don't feel like this is the best thing for them, simply email us at [email protected] by Saturday midnight at the end of the first week (or the end of the first day if they are in the summer program) and we’ll gladly refund your entire investment!

We definitely recommend trying more than one week, but this guarantee is here for you if you choose to use it.

Guarantee #2:

20% for Module 1

If you choose not to continue after completing Module 1, simply email us at [email protected] by Saturday midnight at the end of the 8th week (or the end of the 8th day if they are in the summer program) and we'll gladly refund you any amount you paid over 20%!

You will retain access to all the content in the first Module.

FAQs