Social Skills Group Program (Based on KONTAKT)
Building confidence, connection, and communication skills in a safe, supportive environment.
At Steps and Stones Psychology, we understand that navigating the social world can be complex for neurodivergent youth. We are proud to introduce a social skills group based on the KONTAKT protocol, an evidence-based social skills group training program designed specifically for children and adolescents on the autism spectrum.
Located in Blackwood, South Australia, our clinic provides a welcoming space for young people to learn, practice, and grow together.
What is the KONTAKT Program?
KONTAKT is a structured social skills training program originally developed in Sweden by the Karolinska Institutet and adapted for the Australian context (including research trials at Curtin University).
Unlike generic social groups, our program utilises the strategies and framework of the clinically researched KONTAKT method. It focuses on short, practical training sessions that help participants decipher social cues, understand group dynamics, and build lasting friendships.
How It Works
The program is designed to be intensive yet manageable, running over two school terms.
What Will Participants Learn?
The curriculum is designed to move from basic interaction to complex social problem-solving. Through discussions, role-play, and homework missions, participants will explore:
Initiating Contact
How to start a conversation and enter a group.
Communication
Understanding non-verbal cues, tone of voice, and body language.
Friendship Skills
How to maintain friends and handle rejection.
Conflict Resolution
Strategies for negotiation and compromising.
Self-Advocacy
Understanding one’s own diagnosis and strengths.
Note
We actively involve parents in the process to ensure skills learned in the clinic translate to home and school environments.
Why Choose Steps and Stones Psychology?
We are a dedicated team of psychology professionals based in the Adelaide Hills region.
Local Expertise
Conveniently located in Blackwood, serving families across Adelaide and the Mitcham Hills.
Evidence-Based
We utilise evidence-based frameworks, such as the KONTAKT protocol, to guide our clinical approach.
Safe Environment
We prioritise neuro-affirming care, ensuring your child feels validated and understood, not "fixed."
Expression of Interest
We are currently accepting expressions of interest for our upcoming intake. Please fill out the form below to register your interest. Our administrative team will contact you to discuss eligibility, funding options (such as NDIS), and specific group times.
Frequently Asked Questions
As a psychology-led group therapy program, our social skills group is generally eligible for funding under NDIS ‘Capacity Building’ budgets (Improved Daily Living). Please check with your plan manager or our reception team for specific billing codes.
Full fee schedules will be provided prior to intake. Participants are responsible for confirming their specific NDIS funding eligibility.
KONTAKT is designed for children and adolescents (typically ages 8 to 17). We group our participants by age to ensure they are with peers at a similar life stage.
While the core sessions are for the youth participants, KONTAKT emphasises the role of ‘co-trainers’. We provide regular updates and strategies for parents to support their child’s learning at home between sessions.
All sessions are held face-to-face at our Steps and Stones Psychology clinic in Blackwood, SA.