Improving Social Skills Through ABA Therapy

Providing your child with the various therapy sessions he may require can be an overwhelming task. That’s why at Blossom Children’s Center, we offer an all-encompassing approach to help you through this journey. Our highly trained ABA therapists work on a wide range of ABA social skills while working alongside additional therapists on your child’s team. Our social skills program for autism helps your child learn the skills he needs to participate in various social situations successfully.

The Importance of Social Skills Programs for Autism

Children on the autism spectrum are not always equipped to handle or interact in many social situations. Many children experience extreme anxiety in social settings, making it challenging to build relationships. Learning to engage and interact during program sessions can help your child develop the skills he needs to interact and bond. Social skills programs for autism help children learn to engage with their peers, caregivers, and others in their environment. During ABA social skills sessions, your child will practice various communication skills, learn to participate, and share. These programs strive to help your child form lasting relationships.

Teaching Social Skills

We know that young children learn best through modeling. Children with autism generally learn best when modeling is accompanied by verbal explanation and repetition. By working with therapists as well as in group sessions, your child will have the opportunity to observe, imitate, and practice acceptable social interactions. Through ABA social skills sessions, behaviors are introduced and enforced through the positive rewards system. This system helps reinforce the learning and repetition of new and desired skills. ABA social skills encourage your child to work on a variety of skills, including:

• Encouraging and enhancing verbal and non-verbal communications
• Attention and timing
• Predicting social outcomes
• Reading social cues
• Cooperative play
• Build and improve self-awareness and self-esteem
• Practice social skills to be used in his natural environments

Your Role as the Parent

As with all ABA therapy practices, your role is greatly encouraged. Implementing and practicing social skills in your child’s natural environments help tremendously. Play at home with your child, practicing techniques learned during therapy. Concentrate on areas your child may be struggling with. Create a role-play situation to help your child learn to share, read social cues, and engage with a peer. Think of this as a low-anxiety opportunity for your child to practice appropriate social responses and interactions. Remember to use the skills you’ve learned in your ABA therapy sessions to help reinforce the desired behaviors you are working on.

Benefits of Teaching Social Skills

Social skills programs for autism can provide many lasting benefits, especially through early intervention. Your child will learn:

• To build and foster relationships
• Prepare for school
• Prepare for community engagement
• Build communication skills
• Prepare for future life skills such as success in the workforce

Providing a safe environment for your child to learn and implement new social skills is essential to our team. To learn more about our social skills practices and to tour our center, call us today.