By PAT NEWMAN
Staff Writer

Making friends isn't always easy, but for children diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, behavior disorders or learning disabilities, it can be an arduous undertaking.

Ann Marie Baker, a licensed professional counselor affiliated with “A New Start Counseling Center” in Fayetteville, has started a social skills class aimed at these special kids.

The pilot program, now in its second month, has been well received in the community, Baker said. Designed primarily for elementary and middle school students who “have been identified by family and/or school as having weaknesses adapting to their social environments,” according to Baker, the once-a-week classes allow a small group of peers to interact with each other in a safe and controlled setting.

The goal is to change undesirable behaviors, first within the class, then outside the confines of the center, sustaining the new behavior over a period of time, Baker said. Some of the objectives Baker has established for her clients are: promoting self control, improving self-awareness, developing consideration of others, enhancing communication skills, developing problem solving and giving and receiving respect.

She serves as the facilitator of the class, a nurturing adult who also acts as a positive role model. “As the facilitator, I have created a climate where each student feels fully accepted without fear of ridicule or condemnation,” she said. “I want to provide opportunities for success.”

Each class contains no more than eight students. The typical class, which meets Tuesday, opens with an exchange of greetings with those present. This is followed by a conversation time when students can share information about significant things that occurred in their lives since their last meeting.

Baker then leads the group in two or three games or exercises that target a specific objective for the week. The wind-down time is spent on students' review and feedback on the class objectives. The class ends with an exchange of farewells.

For information, a tuition schedule and registration form, phone Baker at 770-461-9944 or FAX 770-461-9779.