FIT Programs
F.I.T. (Friendship In Teams)
Social Skills Groups for Children
FIT (Friendship In Teams) is a unique social skills program that offers children a chance to make friends in a fun, engaging environment. Whether a child struggles socially due to autism spectrum disorder, a learning disability, language delays, ADHD, or social anxiety, we offer a variety of programs designed to help build their social communication skills. As a parent, it can be heartbreaking to watch your child struggle to make friends at school or experience rejection from peers. In each of our social skills programs, our caring staff members help children develop valuable social thinking, conversation and self-regulation skills: the tools they need to connect with peers and form friendships. If you have concerns about your child’s social skills, please do not hesitate to contact us to find out if FIT can help.
A Word From Nicole Gerami
“When I first began working with young children, I realized that every child truly has a gift. Sometimes that gift is hard to see because there are factors that inhibit it such as echolalia, inattention, anxiety, and underdeveloped language. When children are taught in an environment that is fun, nurturing, and supportive, they thrive. Their gifts begin to shine through and that is the moment when they finally feel understood, and their parents realize that their child is not defined by their diagnosis. The FIT Program was developed in order to help children learn how to socialize, make friends, play games, and communicate in an authentic environment. Capable therapists and trained aides are there every step of the way to encourage and shape new skills. Our social skills programs are designed to help each child grow and thrive.”
Nicole Gerami, M.A., CCC-SLP
FIT Programs
By Age Group
Ages 3-4
Ages 5-6
Ages 7-9
Ages 10-12
Ages 13-19
Program Descriptions
A Variety of Options
Thursday FIT
Scheduled throughout the school year in three 6-10 week sessions in fall, winter and spring, this program is offered once weekly for 7-12 year olds and 13-19 year-olds. Each class is one hour long and includes a social skills lesson, a structured activity, and play time with staff support so that children have opportunities to practice the skills in an authentic environment.
Saturday FIT
Scheduled throughout the school year in three 6-10 week sessions in fall, winter and spring, this program is offered weekly for children ages 3-12 who are divided into groups by age. Each class is one hour long and includes a social skills lesson, a structured activity, and play time with staff support so that children have opportunities to practice the skills in an authentic environment.
Winter Mini-Clinic
Each year we offer a fun winter mini-camp to help kids keep their social skills sharp, their minds engaged, and their bodies moving over winter break. Children are grouped by age and enjoy exciting activities including movement, games, arts and crafts, theme-based literature, and social skills lessons. Kids participate in high-energy physical activity as well as time in the classroom to slow down and engage in language rich activities. Mini-Clinic occurs for 3-4 half days during winter break.
Friends in the Forest
This unique outdoor camp occurs for the last two weeks in June. Kids ages 3-12 develop social skills in a nature-based setting in Metroparks beautiful North Chagrin Reservation. This camp offers children an opportunity to experience a restorative natural environment while engaging in intensive exploration, games and outdoor play with peers. Spaces are limited and campers must meet certain developmental milestones in order to be eligible for registration.
Preschool Play and Learn
Nicole Gerami LLC offers Preschool Play and Learn, for children ages 3 to 4 years who will be entering preschool in the fall. The focus of the program is on developing and practicing skills needed to make a smooth transition to preschool. Skills targeted include cooperative play, navigating transitions, vocabulary building, letter and number recognition, patterning, following directions, and asking and answering questions in a classroom context. The program runs for three half-days per week and is scheduled for two weeks in early August.
Ready, Set, Kindergarten
Our kindergarten readiness program provides an opportunity for rising kindergarteners to practice the skills needed to successfully navigate this important transition. Children will enjoy phonological awareness activities, language-enriched book time, crafts, letter and number recognition activities, working on listening and following directions in a classroom context, and social skills practice. The small group design and high staff/child ratio allows for ample support as children participate in activities. The program runs for four half-days per week and is scheduled for two weeks in early August.
FIT for College
This group is designed for teens with high functioning autism or similar profiles who are preparing to enter college in the fall. The purpose of the group is to help get the students ready for life on campus, whether they are going away and living in a dorm or commuting from home. Valuable skills to help with the transition from high school to college will be taught. These include navigating a campus and following a schedule, managing personal finances while at college, living with a roommate, hygiene and health, safety, finding friends, and handling social media. The program is offered annually early-mid summer.
Adulting 101
This group is designed for teens/young adults to learn key skills needed for being an adult that aren’t taught in school. We learn about budgeting and personal finances, working with coworkers/roommates, how to take care of ourselves, resumes and interviews, and more! This is an 8 week program in the winter. For ages 16 and up.
Dating Basics
This group is for teens/young adults wishing to start navigating the dating world. Together we will learn about how to meet potential partners safely, how to talk to them, and what a healthy relationship looks like! This is an 8 week program in the fall. For ages 18 and up.
Wednesday Social Nights
This group is designed as a safe space for teens/young adults to hang out and make friends. Taking place every Wednesday night during the school year, this program rotates between Game Night, Karaoke Night, and Restaurant Night on a monthly schedule. For ages 13 and up.
Cooking Basics
This group is for teens/young adults wanting to learn the basics of cooking. This class covers fire safety, knife safety, and teaches basic kitchen skills to prepare your teen for cooking in the kitchen. This is an 8 week program offered in the spring. For ages 13 and up.
Parent Testimonials
Hear From Parents Like You