Why the Social Piece Really Matters

It is our firm belief that how you “show up” may be the single most important indicator of a young adult’s future success.  This is integrally tied to their ability to make accurate social observations about themselves and others and process that information in a way that will help them adapt and reach their social goals.

It is likely no surprise how much neurodiverse students struggle with interpreting social cues, perspective taking, and forming and sustaining relationships.  That is why integrating social learning throughout the school day is so imperative for our students’ success.

While students receive direct classroom instruction 3 times per week in which concepts and vocabulary are introduced, it is the carryover and cross campus reinforcement with opportunities to practice in real life that increases the ownership and generalization of the skills taught.

At Gateway Academy, we teach our students that “showing up” not only applies to physical appearance and approachability, but also one’s ability to be flexible and adapt to ever changing social situations. Our approach is not just a one and done “do this social skill”; we teach our students to observe the situation and respond in a way that matches their social goals.

Our students have talked openly about their social difficulties prior to attending Gateway.  “I really don’t need friends,” is a common phrase we hear from new students.  Sometimes because they think that is what they really believe, but more often they have not found prior success in peer relationships and it is a self-protective philosophy. Through Social Communication class and cross campus carryover, our students have begun to learn the importance of connecting with others and the varying levels of friendship that will allow them to do so. In a recent middle school reflection activity, the majority of students indicated that they were indifferent about peer relationships and being social prior to attending Gateway.  After attending Social Communication class at Gateway for at least 6 months, all students indicated that they realize how having peer relationships and being able to connect with others at school is an integral piece to their school success and overall happiness.

Another area students have adapted and integrated increased perspective taking skills is in the ability to work with one another.  Students that previously could hardly stand to be in the same class with one another due to personality differences have slowly learned to work and collaborate with one another on projects and in work environments.  When asked recently why they were able to do this a Senior matter of factly responded, “Because that’s how the world works. The cookie crumbles. You have to get stuff done no matter what,” while another shared, “I share this world with others, and sometimes, to achieve my needs or wants I have to go through things I really dislike to achieve my goals.”

At Advance, our young adult transition program, students are utilizing strategies and skills learned through that program to assist them as they enter the workforce and in new social settings in the community.  They recognize that they have left the familiar “safety net” of high school, and have the daunting task of creating new social connections with individuals of varying ages and experience levels.

Our goal with the Social Communication program at Gateway is for our students to graduate with the knowledge that the social piece does matter; and that their lifelong social journey has just begun.

Caroline Serrett, MS, CCC-SLP - Speech/Language Pathologist

Caroline, a Speech Language Pathologist with 20+ years' expertise in social learning, pragmatics, and executive functioning, has been with Gateway since its inception. Initially a founding board member, she officially joined as a pathologist in 2018. Her career focus has centered on tailored support for students facing language, social, and learning differences. Transitioning from Houston ISD to Cy-Fair ISD and a successful private practice, Caroline's journey led her to Gateway, where she enjoys working with her students on their social learning journey.

Bonnie Jones, MS, CCC-SLP - Speech Pathologist & Director of Admissions

Bonnie joined the Gateway team in 2017 to create the Social Communication program aimed at helping students share space effectively with one another, cultivate 21st Century Skills (e.g., communication and collaboration), build relationships and become effective public speakers, so they may launch into the world as young adults ready to cultivate relationships and equipped with the skills necessary to succeed in further education and employment.

Another hat Bonnie wears is Director of Admissions. She is passionate about working with our families through their entire journey.  As a former parent of a Gateway graduate, she understands the difficulty involved in finding a school that best fits students with social and learning differences and loves helping new families navigate that process.