Social Groups at ABA Connections

  Social Groups are structured learning environments where individuals can practice social, communication, emotional-regulation, and other socially significant skills alongside their peers. Unlike unstructured playgroups, Social Groups are intentionally designed to teach meaningful, real-world skills through guided and supportive coaching.

Social Groups at ABA Connections

  Social Groups at ABA Connections are structured, evidence-based programs designed to help individuals build meaningful social, communication, and life skills in a fun, supportive, and relationship-focused environment. These groups are clinically designed, assessment-driven, and supported by our interdisciplinary team, and as such we refer to them as Clinical Social Groups. Each group is facilitated by trained behavioural staff and guided by ongoing oversight from our clinical team to ensure learning is purposeful, individualized, and developmentally appropriate. This clinical foundation allows us to match participants to the right level of support, target meaningful goals, and create a safe and engaging environment where every learner can grow. Our social groups are unique in that they:
  • Are clinically designed and developmentally matched, ensuring each group aligns with the needs, strengths, and goals of its participants.
  • Begin with an intake and assessment process to determine the most appropriate group placement and level of support.
  • Use evidence-based teaching strategies tailored to each participant’s learning profile and developmental stage.
  • Are grounded in a relationship-focused approach, prioritizing trust, connection, and meaningful engagement.
  • Offer intentionally small group sizes to provide individualized attention, promote success, and support confidence-building.
  • Maintain structured, predictable routines that foster emotional safety, support regulation, and reduce anxiety.
  • Emphasize authentic peer interaction, collaborative play, and social-emotional learning in a supportive environment.
  • Integrate real-world skills that carry over into home, school, and community settings.
  • Are supported by a team of qualified professionals, including Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), Registered Behaviour Analysts (RBAs), and a Registered Social Worker (RSW), ensuring safe, ethical, and developmentally appropriate programming.
During Clinical Social Groups, participants will:

Peer Interactions

Learn how to approach peers, join play, and build meaningful social relationships.

Communication

Practice greetings, turn-taking in conversation, asking questions, and topic maintenance.

Play Skills

Explore cooperative play, practice shared enjoyment, and learn how to participate in group activities.

Independence

Practice practical, real-world life skills and increase confidence in everyday routines.

Flexible Thinking

Engage in activities that promote community awareness, personal responsibility, and respectful behaviour.

Community Participation

Engage in activities that promote community awareness, personal responsibility, and respectful behaviour.

Emotional Awareness

Recognize emotions, understand situational cues, and use strategies to manage dysregulation.

Confidence

Build self-esteem and autonomy while developing pride in social achievements and confidence in personal abilities.

Have more questions about Social Groups at ABA Connections?

Visit our Social Group Frequently Asked Questions page for more information!