Social Skills Training, Newark

Many children want to make friends, join conversations, and participate in group activities but need extra support developing those skills. Families searching for an applied behavior analysis therapist near Newark often choose our Maplewood center because we offer social skills training that gives children opportunities to practice these skills with guidance, feedback, and support from experienced clinicians. 

Our social skills training includes structured group programs where children learn alongside other kids in a supportive environment. Through guided activities, games, conversation, and real-world social situations, children practice skills that help them participate more confidently with other children at school and in everyday life. 

Many Newark families choose our center because they want more than social skills worksheets or isolated practice. They want opportunities for their child to build meaningful relationships, strengthen social confidence, and learn skills they can use beyond therapy sessions.

Social skills training helps children practice skills they use every day

Many children need support developing the social skills they use with other children every day. Whether your child struggles to join conversations, take turns, handle frustration, understand social cues, or participate in group activities, social skills training provides opportunities to practice these skills with guidance and support.

Our social skills training focuses on abilities children use during school, activities, playdates, and everyday interactions. Children may work on:

• Conversation and communication skills
• Turn-taking and sharing
• Cooperation and teamwork
• Problem-solving during social situations
• Emotional regulation and coping skills
• Perspective-taking and understanding others

Many families from Newark seek social skills training because they want their child to feel more comfortable and confident in social settings. By practicing skills with other children in a supportive environment, children gain experience that helps them participate more successfully during everyday interactions.

We offer social skills training designed for different needs and goals

Not every child needs the same type of social skills support. That’s why we offer two group programs that help children build confidence, develop friendships, and practice important social skills alongside other children in a supportive environment. 

Our Social Skills Group helps children develop conversation skills, social interaction, emotional regulation, flexibility, and group participation through play-based activities and real-world social experiences. For children with ADHD-related challenges, our ADHD Kids Club focuses on executive functioning, emotional regulation, flexible thinking, self-advocacy, and building positive relationships through movement-based activities and interactive games.

Families across Newark appreciate having options that reflect their child’s unique strengths and needs. Your BCBA can help determine which group may be the best fit based on your child’s goals, developmental profile, and the skills they are working to build.

Social Skills Group helps children build confidence with others

Our Social Skills Group is designed for children who benefit from practicing social skills with other children in a structured, supportive setting. Led by trained behavior therapists and supervised by a BCBA, the group helps children build confidence interacting with other children during conversations, play, and group activities.

Through guided play, games, and real-world social situations, children practice skills such as turn-taking, sharing, conversation, problem-solving, perspective-taking, and emotional regulation. Rather than relying on drills or rigid instruction, we use ABA-informed strategies within natural, engaging activities that encourage meaningful social interaction.

Families from Downtown Newark and Forest Hill often appreciate the opportunity for their child to practice social skills in real time. The group meets once each week in 8- to 12-week cycles, giving children regular opportunities to practice social skills and build confidence over time. Small group sizes of six to eight children, supported by two trained staff members, allow children to receive guidance and feedback while participating in social experiences that reflect everyday interactions.

ADHD Kids Club helps children build executive functioning and social confidence

Our ADHD Kids Club is designed specifically for children with ADHD-related challenges who benefit from support with executive functioning, emotional regulation, and social interaction. Led by trained behavior therapists and supervised by a BCBA, the program helps children build practical skills that support success at school, during activities, and in everyday life.

Through movement-based activities, interactive games, and real-world problem-solving opportunities, children practice skills such as flexible thinking, planning, time management, impulse control, frustration tolerance, self-advocacy, and collaboration with other children. This approach keeps children engaged while helping them develop strategies they can use in everyday situations.

Families from Roseville and across Newark often appreciate a program created specifically for children with ADHD-related challenges and strengths. The ADHD Kids Club meets weekly for 60 minutes in 8- to 12-week cycles and includes up to six children per group. Small group sizes and a neurodiversity-affirming approach help children build confidence, develop friendships, and strengthen skills that support greater independence over time.