Social Skills Groups, Clubs, & Community Events
Where children play, learn, and connect.
At ABA Today & Gateway4ABA, social growth is just as important as academic or behavioral progress. Every child benefits from connection with their peers — they just need the right environment, the right support, and the right opportunities to practice.
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Our social groups and community programs are designed to meet children exactly where they are, while helping them build the skills they need to form friendships, communicate confidently, and enjoy shared experiences.
Social Skills Groups
These groups are structured, but never forced. Children are able to practice communication, flexibility, problem-solving, and emotional regulation through meaningful, fun activities such as:
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games
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building challenges
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creative play
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art projects
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turn-taking activities
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sports and movement
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small-group discussions
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interactive storytelling
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Each group is facilitated by our exceptionally-trained ABA therapists, as well as supported by speech-language pathologists or other specialists when appropriate.​
Groups are intentionally small so each child receives individualized attention while still benefitting from peers.
Special Interest Clubs
Coming Soon
We know that shared interests create natural social bridges. We plan to offer rotating clubs such as:
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Gaming Club (console, PC, and tabletop games)
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STEM Club (coding, building, robotics)
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Art & Creativity Club
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Movement & Sports Club
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Sensory Play Club
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Reading Buddies
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Lego & Construction Club​​​
Kids connect authentically over activities they love.
Community Outings & Events
We offer seasonal community outings that give children and families the opportunity to have fun and practice skills in real-world settings, all with the support of our familiar staff. These outings are designed to be fun, inclusive, and meaningful, helping children generalize communication, social, and independence skills beyond the clinic while families connect with one another in a relaxed environment.
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This past fall, our families joined us for a group outing to Cox Farms, a beloved pumpkin patch here in Virginia. Children explored the farm, participated in seasonal activities, and practiced navigating a busy community space alongside peers, caregivers, and our clinical team. Events like these reflect what we value most: learning through shared experiences, celebrating progress together, and building a strong sense of community among our families.
Social skills groups and community programs are helpful for:
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children who are shy or avoidant around peers
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children who want to connect but don’t know how
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kids who struggle with team activities or group play
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children who need help managing emotions
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kids with limited flexibility or rigid behavior patterns
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families looking for structured social practice
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children preparing for school or inclusive setting
Who Benefits
From These Programs?
What Social Programs Teach
Each child’s goals are personalized, but common learning targets include:
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Communication & Conversation Skills
Initiating, responding, maintaining back-and-forth.
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Understanding Social Cues
Body language, tone, personal space, turn-taking.
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Emotional Regulation
Handling disappointment, winning/losing, problem-solving.
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Flexibility
Trying new games, switching activities, accepting changes.
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Teamwork & Cooperation
Working in groups, sharing materials, collaborating.
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Building Friendships
Learning how to connect, join play, and sustain relationships.