Typically-developing children, in their home environments, are generally able to acquire the social, language and play skills they need to successfully navigate their worlds. Such interventions, provided in a highly-structured environment, allow children on the autism spectrum to acquire the same skills that typical children learn “naturally.”
Our Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBT) use the principles and methods of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to help children with ASD develop Language, Self Help, Behavior and Social Skills. They help the child with looking, listening and imitating, as well as with more complex skills such as reading, conversing, and understanding another person’s perspective. ABA is based on empirical research and has been proven successful.
Another word for the “Applied” in ABA is “practice.” ABA is more than just a learning theory; it is a way for children to use newly-acquired skills and maintain them through practice in everyday life.
Social skills refer to tools that can be used in a range of different social interactions. These skills are often broken down into smaller parts to help with learning through modeling and structured activities with peers and adults. Social skills in an ABA model allows for a more specific use of different skills and can be more individualized for each child. Program goals will vary for each child because not everyone has the same skill set and abilities.
Social Skills classes offer children a safe, fun, and structured setting to practice their turn taking, sharing, and conversation abilities, as well as engage with peers, and tackle problem-solving scenarios, which can enhance self-confidence and self-esteem, encouraging kids to apply these skills effectively in real-life situations. Social skills can also help children understand their own and other people’s perspective and feelings, improving verbal and non-verbal communication. All of these classes will provide skills that can help children build and maintain relationships and friendships, which can minimize feelings of isolation and promote meaningful connections.
Friendship Behavior
- Following rules and directions
- Personal space
- Asking friends to play
- Turn taking
- Sustaining play
- Being a good sport when losing
- Understanding socially acceptable behaviors and interactions
Communication
- Pragmatic Language
- Perspective-Taking
- Understanding feelings
- Communicating clearly
- Whole body listening
- Staying on topic
Stress Management
- Coping with changes in routine
- Learning self-control
- Conflict resolution
- Emotion regulation
- Handling rejection
- Dealing with frustration
Recreation
- Improve coordination skills
- Practice and imitate activities
- Enjoyment and fun
- Relaxation and refreshment of mind and body
- Exercise and outlets of energy
- Communal or solitary, active or passive, outdoors or indoors