Social skills development that builds real friendships
Our social skills development programs help children with autism connect, communicate, and build genuine friendships — through warm, play-based ABA across New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Social skills development that helps children connect
Social skills development helps children with autism learn the everyday abilities that make connection possible — starting a conversation, taking turns, reading facial expressions and tone, sharing, joining a group, and handling the ups and downs of play. For many children, these skills don’t come naturally, but with the right support they absolutely can be learned.
At Innovative ABA, we teach social skills the way children learn best: through play. A caring therapist, guided by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), creates fun, structured opportunities to practice real interactions — one-on-one and, when appropriate, with peers. Every program is individualized to your child’s age, interests, and goals, so progress feels natural and motivating.
The result isn’t just a checklist of skills. It’s a child who feels more confident walking into a birthday party, joining a game at recess, or making a new friend — and a family that gets to watch those moments happen.
What social skills programs include
Play-based practice
Real social moments taught through fun, motivating activities.
Communication & connection
Conversation, turn-taking, sharing, and reading social cues.
Confidence with peers
Structured chances to build and practice real friendships.
Why play-based social learning works
Social skills are best learned in action, not on paper. By teaching social skills development through play and real interaction, children practice the actual moments that matter — inviting a friend to play, losing a game gracefully, or asking for a turn — in a setting that feels safe and fun. That makes the skills stick and transfer to the playground, classroom, and home.
Play is also deeply motivating. When practice feels like fun rather than a lesson, children stay engaged and confident, and progress accelerates. Our therapists meet each child at their level, celebrate every small win, and gradually build toward richer, more independent social connection.
- Individualized goalsPrograms built around your child’s age, interests, and needs.
- Taught through playFun, motivating practice that keeps children engaged.
- Skills that transferPracticed so they show up with real peers, in real settings.
Who social skills development is for
Social skills development is a wonderful fit for children with autism who want to connect with others but find friendships, group play, or conversation challenging. It helps with making friends, joining groups, handling disagreements, understanding emotions, and feeling confident in social settings — at any age, from early childhood through the school years.
Whether your child is shy, eager but unsure how to connect, or working through specific social challenges, our team across New Jersey and Pennsylvania can help — with patience, encouragement, and a program built just for them.
Why families choose Innovative ABA
Truly personalized
Programs shaped around your child’s interests and goals.
Warm, encouraging therapists
Caring guidance that celebrates every win.
Most insurance accepted
We verify your benefits for free before you begin.
Your path to progress in 3 steps
Free consultation
We listen to your concerns and goals, and answer every question about ABA — with warmth and no pressure.
Personalized plan
A BCBA designs an individualized program built around your child and your family’s routine.
Ongoing support
Caring one-on-one sessions plus parent coaching and clear progress updates, adjusting as your child grows.
Charles Knoppel, BCBA
Board Certified Behavior Analyst & Clinical Director, Innovative ABA
Charles leads the clinical team at Innovative ABA, overseeing the quality and consistency of every child’s program. As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), he brings deep, evidence-based expertise to each plan — making sure it is individualized, family-centered, and built to help your child make real, lasting progress.
His philosophy is simple: treat every child like the only child, and partner closely with every family at every step.
- Oversees every individualized planEvidence-based programs tailored to each child.
- Leads our supervisors & therapistsGuiding consistent, high-quality care across NJ & PA.
- Family-first philosophyCompassion and partnership at the center of everything.
Frequently asked questions
What is social skills development in ABA?+
It is a play-based, individualized program that teaches children the everyday abilities needed to connect with others — conversation, turn-taking, sharing, reading social cues, and building friendships — guided by a BCBA.
At what age should social skills training start?+
It can help at almost any age, from early childhood through the school years. Earlier support is valuable, but it’s never too late to build connection and confidence. We tailor goals to your child’s stage.
How are social skills actually taught?+
Through fun, structured play and real interaction. Children practice genuine social moments — one-on-one and, when appropriate, with peers — so the skills feel natural and transfer to everyday settings.
Will this help my child make friends?+
That’s the goal. By building the underlying skills — starting conversations, joining groups, handling disagreements — children gain the confidence and ability to form real, lasting friendships.
What areas do you serve?+
We provide social skills development to families across New Jersey and Pennsylvania, including in-home and community-based options.
Is social skills development covered by insurance?+
In most cases, yes. As part of ABA therapy, it is often covered for an autism diagnosis. We accept most major insurers including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Tricare, and UnitedHealthcare, and verify your benefits for free.
More ways we help your child grow
Help your child connect with confidence
Schedule a free consultation and we’ll build a social skills development plan around your child’s interests and goals.