The Social Thinking® Curriculum is a framework designed to teach social skills and improve social-emotional understanding in children who may struggle with interpreting and responding to social cues. This curriculum is particularly helpful for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, or other social communication challenges. Social Thinking® helps children understand how their behavior affects others, develop perspective-taking skills, and build relationships.

The program introduces concepts such as “expected” versus “unexpected” behaviors, “thinking with your eyes,” and understanding the “hidden rules” of social interactions. Through engaging activities, stories, and role-playing, children learn to recognize and adapt their behavior in various social contexts.

A key feature of the program is Superflex®, a fun and engaging component that uses superhero-based storytelling to teach self-regulation and flexible thinking. Superflex is a superhero who helps children recognize and manage challenges posed by the Unthinkabots (formerly known as Unthinkables)—imaginary characters representing common social and emotional struggles like rigidity (Rock Brain), poor understanding of personal space (Space Invader), having big reactions to small problems (Glassman), or being easily distracted (Brain Eater). By learning strategies to “defeat” the Unthinkabots, children build essential skills such as self-control, problem-solving, and flexibility.  There are also ‘Thinkables’ that go along with each Unthinkabot to help children learn strategies to manage the Unthinkabots! This curriculum has lots of fun books that go along with it, which are super fun to read at home.

In OT, we use the Social Thinking® Curriculum to build skills like problem-solving, emotional regulation, and collaboration. The program is flexible and can be tailored to a child’s developmental level, making it suitable for children from preschool to young adulthood. Its benefits include improved self-awareness, stronger peer relationships, and enhanced participation in school and community settings.