Social Skills Groups (SSGs): Improving Communication and Socialization Through Group Therapy
Center-Based Social Skills Groups
Social Skills Groups (SSGs) are small gatherings -- led by a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) or an ABA therapist – that give children an opportunity to focus on specific, personalized goals while playing team games and participating in group activities to improve social skills, emotional intelligence, and self-confidence.
Applied ABC offers SSG activities and get-togethers across most of our service areas, with plans to expand group therapy opportunities in the future. If you’re interested in learning more or signing your child up with a local SSG, contact your case manager for more information.
SSG Home With Me
For families that aren’t located near an Applied ABC autism therapy center, we’ve created a new program that offers the same access and fun as our in-center programs.
SSG Home with Me provides the same group therapy benefits as our in-center programs, but is hosted in the home of a local, volunteer parent. An RBT or ABA therapist is sent to coordinate the activities and make sure every child feels engaged and part of the fun! Host parents are provided with materials such as board games or tickets to the zoo so that the experience is on par with activities provided in center-based SSGs.
What are the Benefits of SSGs?
Social Skills Groups provide children who are already receiving one-on-one ABA therapy with a unique and enriching opportunity to socialize and interact with others. SSGs also give children a way to practice learned social skills, form connections and friendships with other participants, and have fun in a safe environment. SSGs can help your child:
Improve social and communication skills
Build self-confidence and problem-solving skills
Achieve social interaction and play-time goals
Practice ABA skills in a real-life setting
What are SSGs Like?
Often, SSGs take place at one of our in-person autism therapy centers. A typical day for a child participating in an Applied ABC SSG may include:
Visiting a sensory room and participating in sensory activities to gain energy and ground themselves.
Singing a welcome song, introducing each other, and practicing names.
Doing identification activities like a matching game.
Playing a board game; crafts such as painting, building volcanoes, practicing grammar flashcards; or going for a walk.
Activities geared toward gaining independence like hand washing or using the bathroom.
Discrete trial training.
Sensory activities to relax before the end of the day.
Children may also have the chance to attend field trips to different educational and engaging places, such as a sensory-friendly visit to a trampoline park, the zoo, a museum, and more!
How to Join a Social Skills Group at Applied ABC
At Applied ABC, SSGs are a means to empower your child to thrive in their personal journey with autism through compassion, encouragement, and a fun learning environment.
Having your child join an SSG is easy; schedules are flexible.
If your child is receiving autism therapy services from Applied ABC, reach out