October 24, 2025

Social Communication Curriculums for Speech Therapy

29 minutes

Social Communication Curriculums for Speech TherapyStep-by-Step Plans to Help Children and Teens Build Real Connections

Our social communication curriculums provide a clear, structured pathway for teaching social skills in a logical progression — from foundational interaction skills to complex communication and relationship-building.

Each plan is designed to help children and teens make real-world improvements in everyday conversations, social interactions, and their ability to connect meaningfully with others.

You’ll have everything you need to teach social communication with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

Structured. Evidence-based. Real-world results.

Start your Free Trial to Access the Social Communication Curriculums →

Instant access. No risk. Cancel anytime.

Who’s it For?

Children and teens who don’t respond to others when spoken to

Those who struggle with initiating and maintaining conversations

Those who struggle with building and maintaining friendships and relationships

Those who have trouble self-calming when upset and navigating disagreements with others

Those who have trouble speaking up for themselves

Those who struggle with topic maintenance or providing relevant information

Those who will speak in some situations (like home) but not in others (like school)

Those who have trouble repairing a conversation when it breaks down (such as when the other person is confused)

Who Can Use It?

Speech-Language Pathologists and Professionals

Speech Language Therapy Assistants and SLPAs

Parents and Caregivers

Teachers and Educators

We are neurodiversity-affirming! Our Curriculums honor every learner’s unique brain and communication style. Our lessons encourage each person to communicate in ways that feel comfortable, authentic, and true to who they are.

Choose your Curriculum:

Social Awareness and Interaction

Emotional Regulation and Self-Advocacy

Conversational Skills

Abstract Language

Selective Mutism

Social Awareness and Interactions Curriculum:

What is it? A neurodiversity-affirming, step-by-step program that supports social growth from early interaction skills like responding and joint attention to higher-level abilities like perspective taking and social understanding — helping children and teens connect and communicate in authentic, meaningful ways.

Who is it for?
Children and teens who…

Do not respond to others or look when their name is called

Struggle with joint attention and turn taking

Have trouble with proximity/giving personal space

Struggle to stay on topic or provide relevant information

Have difficulty with perspective-taking or understanding others

How does it work?
This Curriculum is broken down into three levels:

Beginner Level:

Building Social Awareness

(Ages 1-2 yrs and beyond)

Responding when Name is Called

Sharing Joint Attention

Basic Turn-Taking

Early Social Routines and Games

Intermediate Level:

Strengthening Social Engagement

(Ages 3-6 yrs and beyond)

Topic Maintenance and Providing Relevant Information

Understanding Proximity/Personal Space

Advanced Level:

Perspective-Taking and Social Understanding

(Ages 4-10 yrs and beyond)

Understanding that Others may have Different Perspectives and Feelings

Using Perspective Taking to Understand Others

Using Perspective Taking to Resolve Conflicts and Misunderstandings

* Age ranges represent when children typically master these skills. However, this program can help older children/teens with these skills as well.

Try the Social Awareness and Interaction Curriculum Free for 7 Days

Instant access. No risk. Cancel anytime.

Emotional Regulation and Self-Advocacy Curriculum:

What is it? A neurodiversity-affirming, developmentally layered program that helps children and teens build emotional regulation and self-advocacy skills — starting with replacing challenging behaviors with communication (for younger children), then progressing to self-calming, proactive coping, and self advocacy (for older children and teens).

Who is it for?
Children and teens who…

Have trouble self-calming when upset

Have trouble managing highs and lows in mood and behavior

Resort to challenging/unexpected behaviors when struggling with social interactions, such as being aggressive or saying hurtful things

Have trouble speaking up for what they need or taking action to get their needs met

How does it work?
This Curriculum is broken down into three levels:

Beginner Level:

Replacing Challenging Behaviors with Communication

(Ages 3-7 yrs and beyond)

Replacing Challenging Behaviors with Communication

Intermediate Level:

Emotional Understanding and Self-Calming

(Ages 5-10 yrs and beyond)

Regulating Emotions and Self-Calming

Advanced Level:

Self-Advocacy and Proactive Regulation

(Ages 5-12 yrs and beyond)

Self-Advocacy and Speaking Up for What you Want/Need

* Age ranges represent when children typically master these skills. However, this program can help older children/teens with these skills as well.

Try the Emotional Regulation and Self-Advocacy Curriculum Free for 7 Days

Instant access. No risk. Cancel anytime.

Conversational Skills Curriculum:

What is it? A systematic, ready-to-use program that makes it easy to teach conversational skills — providing a clear framework and pre-made materials to help children and teens build confidence and success in real conversations.

Who is it for?
Children and teens who…

Struggle with initiating interactions with others

Struggle with topic maintenance or providing relevant information during conversations

Don’t always speak up for what they want or need

Have trouble continuing an interaction through responding, commenting, asking questions, etc.

Have trouble repairing a conversation when it breaks down (such as if the other person is confused)

Have trouble navigating disagreements with others

How does it work?
This Curriculum is broken down into three levels:

Beginner Level:

Initiating and Responding in Conversations

(Ages 4-6 yrs and beyond)

Initiating Interactions with Others

Responding to Others

Intermediate Level:

Maintaining Conversations and Topic Management

(Ages 5-11 yrs and beyond)

Continuing/Maintaining an Interaction

Topic Maintenance and Providing Relevant Information

Advanced Level:

Navigating Complex Conversations

(Ages 6-12 yrs and beyond)

Repairing Communication Breakdowns

Navigating Disagreements with Others

Self-Advocacy and Speaking Up for What you Want/Need

Code Switching

* Age ranges represent when children typically master these skills. However, this program can help older children/teens with these skills as well.

Try the Conversational Skills Curriculum Free for 7 Days

Instant access. No risk. Cancel anytime.

Abstract Language Curriculum:

What is it? A structured, low-prep program that helps children and teens understand and use abstract language in social contexts — building the skills to interpret figurative meanings, humor, and nuance so they can connect and communicate more naturally with others.

Who is it for?
Children and teens who…

Struggle with figurative language (idioms, sarcasm, similes, metaphors, etc.)

Struggle with making inferences

How does it work?
This Curriculum is broken down into three levels:

Beginner Level:

Literal vs. Nonliteral Language

(Ages 5-7 yrs and beyond)

Identify literal vs. nonliteral language

Intermediate Level:

Figurative Language

(Ages 6-10 yrs and beyond)

Idioms and Figures of Speech

Similes and Metaphors

Advanced Level:

Inferencing and Social Nuance

(Ages 7-12 yrs and beyond)

Inferencing in Text and Social Inferencing

Understanding Sarcasm and Irony

* Age ranges represent when children typically master these skills. However, this program can help older children/teens with these skills as well.

Try the Abstract Language Curriculum Free for 7 Days

Instant access. No risk. Cancel anytime.

Selective Mutism Curriculum:

What is it? A structured, evidence-based program that helps therapists and teams confidently support children with selective mutism — providing clear guidance for creating supportive environments, fostering motivation, and gradually increasing speech across settings.

Who is it for?
Children and teens who…

Will speak in some situations with some people but not in others (For example, will speak at home but not at school or in public)

Show anxiety about speaking or social interactions

How does it work?
This Curriculum is broken down into three levels:

Beginner Level:

Modifying the Environment for Communication Success

(Ages 3 yrs and beyond)

Increasing Predictability in their Day

Increasing their Sense of Control

Increasing Independence and Confidence

Intermediate Level:

Establishing Motivation for Speech and Calming Strategies

(Ages 3 yrs and beyond)

Identifying Internal Motivators for Speech

Self-Calming Strategies

Advanced Level:

Increasing Communication Success

(Ages 3 yrs and beyond)

Increasing Verbal Communication for Children with Selective Mutism

* Age ranges represent when children typically master these skills. However, this program can help older children/teens with these skills as well.

Try the Selective Mutism Curriculum Free for 7 Days

Instant access. No risk. Cancel anytime.

You Don’t Have to Do This Alone.

Every child’s communication journey is unique — but you don’t have to reinvent the wheel for each one.

Our Speech Sound Curriculums are just the beginning. Inside the SLK Curriculum, you’ll find comprehensive therapy plans for every major area of communication:

Language (vocabulary, grammar, comprehension, etc.)

Speech sound pronunciation

Social communication and pragmatic skills

Fluency and stuttering

Voice and resonance

Functional Communication

Each curriculum walks you through the therapy process step-by-step — from first session to mastery — so you can spend less time planning and more time helping children and teens succeed.

Because when you have a clear plan, children make faster progress.

And when children start communicating clearly and confidently… everything changes.

Sneak Peek! Learn More about the Curriculum →

The post Social Communication Curriculums for Speech Therapy appeared first on Speech And Language Kids.

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By Carrie Clark, M.A. CCC-SLP

4.6

156156 ratings

October 24, 2025

Social Communication Curriculums for Speech Therapy

29 minutes

Social Communication Curriculums for Speech TherapyStep-by-Step Plans to Help Children and Teens Build Real Connections

Each plan is designed to help children and teens make real-world improvements in everyday conversations, social interactions, and their ability to connect meaningfully with others.

You’ll have everything you need to teach social communication with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

Structured. Evidence-based. Real-world results.

Start your Free Trial to Access the Social Communication Curriculums →

Instant access. No risk. Cancel anytime.

Who’s it For?

Children and teens who don’t respond to others when spoken to

Those who struggle with initiating and maintaining conversations

Those who struggle with building and maintaining friendships and relationships

Those who have trouble self-calming when upset and navigating disagreements with others

Those who have trouble speaking up for themselves

Those who struggle with topic maintenance or providing relevant information

Those who will speak in some situations (like home) but not in others (like school)

Those who have trouble repairing a conversation when it breaks down (such as when the other person is confused)

Who Can Use It?

Speech-Language Pathologists and Professionals

Speech Language Therapy Assistants and SLPAs

Parents and Caregivers

Teachers and Educators

Choose your Curriculum:

Social Awareness and Interaction

Emotional Regulation and Self-Advocacy

Conversational Skills

Abstract Language

Selective Mutism

Social Awareness and Interactions Curriculum:

Who is it for?
Children and teens who…

Do not respond to others or look when their name is called

Struggle with joint attention and turn taking

Have trouble with proximity/giving personal space

Struggle to stay on topic or provide relevant information

Have difficulty with perspective-taking or understanding others

How does it work?
This Curriculum is broken down into three levels:

Beginner Level:

Building Social Awareness

(Ages 1-2 yrs and beyond)

Responding when Name is Called

Sharing Joint Attention

Basic Turn-Taking

Early Social Routines and Games

Intermediate Level:

Strengthening Social Engagement

(Ages 3-6 yrs and beyond)

Topic Maintenance and Providing Relevant Information

Understanding Proximity/Personal Space

Advanced Level:

Perspective-Taking and Social Understanding

(Ages 4-10 yrs and beyond)

Understanding that Others may have Different Perspectives and Feelings

Using Perspective Taking to Understand Others

Using Perspective Taking to Resolve Conflicts and Misunderstandings

* Age ranges represent when children typically master these skills. However, this program can help older children/teens with these skills as well.

Try the Social Awareness and Interaction Curriculum Free for 7 Days

Instant access. No risk. Cancel anytime.

Emotional Regulation and Self-Advocacy Curriculum:

Who is it for?
Children and teens who…

Have trouble self-calming when upset

Have trouble managing highs and lows in mood and behavior

Resort to challenging/unexpected behaviors when struggling with social interactions, such as being aggressive or saying hurtful things

Have trouble speaking up for what they need or taking action to get their needs met

How does it work?
This Curriculum is broken down into three levels:

Beginner Level:

Replacing Challenging Behaviors with Communication

(Ages 3-7 yrs and beyond)

Replacing Challenging Behaviors with Communication

Intermediate Level:

Emotional Understanding and Self-Calming

(Ages 5-10 yrs and beyond)

Regulating Emotions and Self-Calming

Advanced Level:

Self-Advocacy and Proactive Regulation

(Ages 5-12 yrs and beyond)

Self-Advocacy and Speaking Up for What you Want/Need

* Age ranges represent when children typically master these skills. However, this program can help older children/teens with these skills as well.

Try the Emotional Regulation and Self-Advocacy Curriculum Free for 7 Days

Instant access. No risk. Cancel anytime.

Conversational Skills Curriculum:

Who is it for?
Children and teens who…

Struggle with initiating interactions with others

Struggle with topic maintenance or providing relevant information during conversations

Don’t always speak up for what they want or need

Have trouble continuing an interaction through responding, commenting, asking questions, etc.

Have trouble repairing a conversation when it breaks down (such as if the other person is confused)

Have trouble navigating disagreements with others

How does it work?
This Curriculum is broken down into three levels:

Beginner Level:

Initiating and Responding in Conversations

(Ages 4-6 yrs and beyond)

Initiating Interactions with Others

Responding to Others

Intermediate Level:

Maintaining Conversations and Topic Management

(Ages 5-11 yrs and beyond)

Continuing/Maintaining an Interaction

Topic Maintenance and Providing Relevant Information

Advanced Level:

Navigating Complex Conversations

(Ages 6-12 yrs and beyond)

Repairing Communication Breakdowns

Navigating Disagreements with Others

Self-Advocacy and Speaking Up for What you Want/Need

Code Switching

* Age ranges represent when children typically master these skills. However, this program can help older children/teens with these skills as well.

Try the Conversational Skills Curriculum Free for 7 Days

Instant access. No risk. Cancel anytime.

Abstract Language Curriculum:

Who is it for?
Children and teens who…

Struggle with figurative language (idioms, sarcasm, similes, metaphors, etc.)

Struggle with making inferences

How does it work?
This Curriculum is broken down into three levels:

Beginner Level:

Literal vs. Nonliteral Language

(Ages 5-7 yrs and beyond)

Identify literal vs. nonliteral language

Intermediate Level:

Figurative Language

(Ages 6-10 yrs and beyond)

Idioms and Figures of Speech

Similes and Metaphors

Advanced Level:

Inferencing and Social Nuance

(Ages 7-12 yrs and beyond)

Inferencing in Text and Social Inferencing

Understanding Sarcasm and Irony

* Age ranges represent when children typically master these skills. However, this program can help older children/teens with these skills as well.

Try the Abstract Language Curriculum Free for 7 Days

Instant access. No risk. Cancel anytime.

Selective Mutism Curriculum:

Who is it for?
Children and teens who…

Will speak in some situations with some people but not in others (For example, will speak at home but not at school or in public)

Show anxiety about speaking or social interactions

How does it work?
This Curriculum is broken down into three levels:

Beginner Level:

Modifying the Environment for Communication Success

(Ages 3 yrs and beyond)

Increasing Predictability in their Day

Increasing their Sense of Control

Increasing Independence and Confidence

Intermediate Level:

Establishing Motivation for Speech and Calming Strategies

(Ages 3 yrs and beyond)

Identifying Internal Motivators for Speech

Self-Calming Strategies

Advanced Level:

Increasing Communication Success

(Ages 3 yrs and beyond)

Increasing Verbal Communication for Children with Selective Mutism

* Age ranges represent when children typically master these skills. However, this program can help older children/teens with these skills as well.

Try the Selective Mutism Curriculum Free for 7 Days

Instant access. No risk. Cancel anytime.

You Don’t Have to Do This Alone.

Every child’s communication journey is unique — but you don’t have to reinvent the wheel for each one.

Our Speech Sound Curriculums are just the beginning. Inside the SLK Curriculum, you’ll find comprehensive therapy plans for every major area of communication:

Language (vocabulary, grammar, comprehension, etc.)

Speech sound pronunciation

Social communication and pragmatic skills

Fluency and stuttering

Voice and resonance

Functional Communication

Each curriculum walks you through the therapy process step-by-step — from first session to mastery — so you can spend less time planning and more time helping children and teens succeed.

Because when you have a clear plan, children make faster progress.

And when children start communicating clearly and confidently… everything changes.

Sneak Peek! Learn More about the Curriculum →

The post Social Communication Curriculums for Speech Therapy appeared first on Speech And Language Kids.

...more