Helping children learn how to connect with others is one of the most meaningful parts of what we do. Social interaction impacts confidence, communication, emotional regulation, and long-term independence. Through thoughtfully designed social skills groups, we support children and young adults as they learn how to navigate peer relationships in real, practical ways—skills they can carry into school, home, and the broader community.
At Professional Therapy Associates, our social skills groups are rooted in evidence-based ABA principles and enriched by our multidisciplinary approach. By combining structure, play, and real-world practice inside our sensory gym and clinic settings, we help participants grow socially while feeling safe, supported, and understood.
Social skills groups are a natural extension of ABA therapy, especially for children who benefit from guided practice with peers. While one-on-one sessions focus on individual goals, group settings allow children to apply those skills in shared experiences—taking turns, starting conversations, problem-solving, and responding to social cues.
Within our ABA-informed groups, we intentionally structure activities to promote cooperation, flexibility, and emotional awareness. Therapists model appropriate behaviors, provide prompts when needed, and gradually fade support as children become more confident. This blend of structure and independence allows social learning to feel achievable rather than overwhelming.
Each group is designed around clear developmental goals while remaining flexible to meet individual needs. Skills commonly targeted include:
Children practice initiating conversations, staying on topic, and responding appropriately to peers. These foundational skills support progress in both speech therapy and everyday interactions.
Recognizing emotions—both their own and others’—helps children respond calmly and thoughtfully in social situations. This skill is especially valuable for children receiving sensory therapy or ABA support.
Through games and group activities, children learn how to share materials, follow group rules, and manage frustration when things do not go as planned.
Learning social skills in isolation can be difficult. Group environments provide immediate opportunities to practice with peers who are working toward similar goals. In these shared spaces, children see that they are not alone in their challenges—and that social growth can be enjoyable.
Our sensory gym plays an important role here. The dynamic, engaging environment allows children to move, explore, and interact naturally while therapists guide social exchanges. This approach is especially helpful for children who learn best through movement and play, complementing both sensory therapy and professional therapy services.
No two children are alike, and our groups reflect that. We thoughtfully match participants based on age, developmental level, and social goals. This ensures that each child feels challenged but not overwhelmed.
We also collaborate closely with families and other therapists involved in a child’s care. Whether a child is also receiving ABA therapy, speech support, or physical therapy associates services, our team aligns goals to reinforce progress across disciplines.
Social skills groups support a wide range of children and young adults, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, learning differences, and social communication challenges. Participants range from early learners building foundational play skills to adolescents and young adults working on friendship development, self-advocacy, and independence.
Because we serve individuals from birth through age 26, we are able to adapt group programming as needs evolve—supporting growth at every stage.
We believe progress should extend beyond our clinic walls. That is why we provide families with insight into the strategies used during group sessions and suggestions for reinforcing skills at home and in the community. Consistency across environments helps social learning become more natural and lasting.
Our experienced leadership team and multidisciplinary staff work together to ensure each child’s program is coordinated, intentional, and responsive. With nearly all modalities covered by insurance and flexible options available, families can focus on growth rather than logistics.
Social confidence does not develop overnight—it grows through practice, encouragement, and meaningful connection. Our social skills groups are designed to foster exactly that. By blending ABA principles, play-based learning, and a supportive peer environment, we help children build the skills they need to form relationships and participate more fully in everyday life.
If you would like to learn more about our social skills groups or how they may complement ABA therapy, sensory therapy, or other professional therapy services your child is receiving, we invite you to reach out. Visit our contact page to speak with our team and explore next steps:
https://www.ptasensorygym.com/contact