Katie Hodgson, M.Ed, MA, CCC-SLP

My Approach Individuals with social-communication challenges often have a difficult time developing and maintaining relationships. Additionally, exploring different interests and/or activities may be outside their comfort zone making it more difficult to connect with their peers socially. The goal of the Social Connections Group is to teach social strategies in the context of fun, collaborative activities. They work on understanding that our words and actions impact the thoughts, feelings and actions of others, which then circles back to impact us and our goals. These inclusive groups consist of like-minded, similarly aged peers who are coached in the moment as real time learning opportunities arise. This allows for better generalization of skills, as well as, exposure to a variety of leisure activities. Who will Benefit Individuals who are generally on target with peers intellectually and academically but have difficulty reading the hidden social rules, understanding social nuances and making social connections. A diagnosis is not necessary to be a good fit for a group. However, individuals with Attention Deficit Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder, Level 1 and 2 (a.k.a Asperger's, High Functioning Autism) are often good candidates for these groups. Ages 5 years old to adult Group Size 4-6 similarly aged, like-minded peers Health Insurance Health insurance is not billed directly. However, parents are encouraged to contact their health insurance to inquire about reimbursement for “out of network speech therapy” (group treatment code: 92508) Financial Assistance The following wonderful community organizations provide grants and scholarships for out-of-pocket costs for services: 5 Fish Foundation Carolina Children's Charity Walk for Autism Charleston Katie Hodgson, M.Ed, MA, CCC-SLP Katie is a licensed, ASHA certified speech-language pathologist with more than a decade of experience working with children and adults with social communication, executive function and emotional regulation challenges. She received a B.A. in Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences, a B.A. in Psychology and an M.A. in Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Later, Katie obtained an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from Bridgewater State College and obtained her license as a Special Education Administrator and Principal. She first became interested in working with individuals with social communication challenges while providing speech therapy services to middle school and high school students. During her ten years in the public school system, Katie became the expert in the evaluation and treatment of individuals with social communication, executive functioning and emotional regulation challenges for her district. Additionally, she was an integral member of the Transition Team, which developed policies and procedures, curriculum, professional development and creative solutions to meeting the unique needs of students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. As her passion and expertise flourished, so did her desire to make a greater impact for individuals with social challenges, which led her to Social Thinking® Boston. Currently, Katie is excited to be achieving her dream of owning her own private practice and building connections within the neurodiverse community.