RED DOOR offers social skills training for neuro-diverse teenagers and young adults.
Social Saturdays is a specifically designed class to develop age related social skills and mental health practices for neurodivergent teens and young adults.
Logistics: The classes run on Saturdays from 10-11:30 am with the office of RED DOOR in Central.
The classes are organised and run by qualified counsellor, psychologist and special needs educator Angela Watkins (MA Education and M.Counselling). Angela has over 30 years working with individuals with complex social skills needs such as those with learning differences including autism.
The Social Saturday’s secret weapon – typical teen supermodels.
The class also includes neurotypical teens acting in the roles of social skill modeling co-teachers.
Because of the mix of students, participant and experience how many different teens encounter teen challenges. The ratio of students to teachers is 2:1 at most, and often 1:1.
Class topics and focus.
Angela is a counsellor and psychologist with over 30 years of experience working with individuals with differing neurological profiles. The Social Saturdays class brings these years of experience together with a range of research based approaches to social skills (eg RDA, PEERS) with a modern twist. We talk about current events and popular themes so that the class is always relevant to the current world environment.
The classes are designed to build essential social skills each week such as such as conversational skills, emotional literacy, memory skills, demonstrating interest in others, recognizing strengths and weaknesses, taking turns, patience and tolerance of others, dealing with anxiety, and social etiquette.
Each session also covers one special topic as you can see in our list of upcoming class topics below. We use a range of techniques including reflection exercises, CBT exercises, art therapy, role play and game playing to ensure classes are fun and have variety. Topics include independence, romance, introducing oneself, setting goals and changing habits, anxiety management, financial literarcy, appreciating parents, test anxiety, and many more.
Each month one session will have a games day when we devise special games, always with a social skills tilt, to bring extra fun into learning social skills
Upcoming classes special topics:
Social Saturdays – 8 August 2026: Elevating Your Elevator Introduction
A compelling self-introduction, whether delivered online or in person, sets the foundation for positive interactions. In this session, participants will learn and practise the essential components, appropriate language, and ideal length necessary for effective self-introductions in two key contexts: 1) to new potential friends and 2) for academic or work purposes.
Social Saturdays – 15 August 2026: What Constitutes a Good Apology
A good apology often encompasses a delicate balance of seeking forgiveness, expressing regret, accepting responsibility, planning for change, and attempting to make restitution. Understanding our own need for apologies, the frustration we experience when we believe we are owed an apology, and knowing how to apologise to others are vital elements of effective communication and self-awareness.
Social Saturdays – 22 August 2026: Developing Better Emotional Literacy
Individuals frequently confuse one emotion for another, as secondary emotions—such as anger or frustration—often obscure deeper, more vulnerable primary feelings like fear, hurt, or sadness. For instance, anger may be identified when sadness or fear are the underlying emotions. Participants might misinterpret feelings of laziness or lack of motivation when they are, in fact, feeling overwhelmed or anxious. This session aims to enhance students’ emotional literacy, enabling them to reflect on their reactions to various situations, manage their primary emotions more effectively, develop coping strategies, and build resilience.
Social Saturdays – 29 August 2026: Empathy Enhancement
Understanding how another person may feel in a given situation is a crucial skill for maintaining friendships and improving one’s own emotional regulation. Empathy-enhancing skills are practical techniques that facilitate deeper connections with others, enable the understanding of diverse perspectives, and foster genuine care in responses. Learning empathy can significantly transform an individual’s social capabilities by enhancing their ability to read social cues, communicate effectively, and form meaningful relationships. Rather than merely memorising social rules, empathy provides an internal compass to navigate any social context intuitively.
Social Saturdays – 5 September 2026: Reviewing Peer Expectations and Peer Pressure
It is important to guide teens and young adults in assessing whether they are being influenced by peers prioritising social acceptance over logical decision-making. Neurodiverse teens, in particular, may be encouraged by others to engage in behaviours that are detrimental to their well-being. This session will explore the behavioural expectations set by peers and encourage participants to make and uphold decisions that are authentically theirs.
Social Saturdays – 12 September 2026: Mindful Manners
Manners facilitate smoother interactions in various social situations. In the modern era, it can be challenging to stay updated on online etiquette, practise good manners in face-to-face interactions, and assert oneself politely. This session will explore and navigate modern manners through a mindful lens, emphasising respectful communication in diverse contexts.
Social Saturdays – 19 September 2026: Families – Building Traditions That Last and Keep You Connected
As the Mid-Autumn Festival approaches, we will explore the traditions that strengthen our family bonds and consider how to incorporate new, intentional traditions as we grow older and seek greater independence, such as studying away from home. Understanding what it means to be a member of your family of origin is essential for fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance.
Social Saturdays – 26 September 2026: Public Holiday (NO CLASS)
Social Saturdays – 3 October 2026: NO CLASS This Week
Social Saturdays – 10 October 2026: The Mental Health Check-Up
In observance of Mental Health Day, we will conduct a group mental health check-up, discussing what constitutes ‘normal’ for ourselves and others. This session aims to address when it may be appropriate to seek help and provide an overview of available resources for the neurodivergent population when exploring mental health matters.
Social Saturdays – 17 October 2026: Giving Great Compliments
Social Saturdays – 24 October 2026: When we fight with friends, dealing with friendship conflicts
Social Saturdays – 31 October 2026: Halloween celebration and games
Social Saturdays – 7 November 2026: Diwali celebration and games
Social Saturdays – 14 November 2026: Kindness and Charity
Social Saturdays – 21 November 2026: Disagreeing respectfully
Social Saturdays – 28 November 2026: Thankfulness and Gratitude
Social Saturdays – 5 December 2026: Appreciating what makes me different
Social Saturdays – 12 2026: Christmas celebration and games
To find out how to attend this class contact Angela Watkins on 93785428 or email angelaw@reddoor.hk.
To find out more about social skills and why they are important see our blog on this issue.
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