A Is For Apple’s Social Cognitive Behavioral Center Program utilizes one-on-one, structured, teacher-directed instruction, in a group setting, for children with autism. We utilize empirically validated techniques based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to help children "learn how to learn.” A Behavioral consultant runs each group and oversees the ABA therapists assigned to work 1-1with their assigned child, within a group of up to six kids. Speech-language pathologists and/or Occupational therapists are available for consult as needed.Each child is placed in a group matched for chronological age, developmental level, and areas of need. The groups also may include nuerotypical kids, (up to the age of three years).

Data is continually taken depicting each child’s progress towards his/her objective based on the results of the assessment, behaviors, and outside program involvement (if the child attends preschool and/or daycare, sees a speech-language pathologist, etc. We coordinate our program to maximize the efficiency of all of the child’s activities. We also integrate the short- and long-term goals of the family.

Each session is delivered in 2-hour block increments to kids under the age of three who exhibit some basic understanding of compliance, but may lack fundamental ready to learn skills. These children are more responsive to a playful approach to learning and are currently receiving ABA services in their home as well. Parents are welcome to observe a part of their child’s group session. 

Examples of content areas that we target are: receptive language, behavior, imitation, vocalizations, manding (requesting), tacting (labeling), intraverbals (conversation), grammar, play, socialization, group instruction, generalized responding, daily living skills, and gross and fine motor skills. 

During a 2-hour group session, we teach the basics of social and play behavior, such as pointing, basic referencing/joint attention, eye contact, imitation, turn taking, representational play, symbolic play and social games. We develop play-based programs in which the child is pressed to communicate and engage in such highly motivating ways that they often are unaware that they are working at all! We train the family members on how to play and expand the communicative opportunities (both natural and contrived). 

The focus of the group is on basic play behavior:

• Facilitating Social Interaction with same age peers.

• Turn Taking Play (in the context of simple games, shared play activities/toys, gross motor and fine motor play).

• Parallel Play (in context of shared play activities/toys and gross motor and fine motor play).

• Imitation Play (in context of shared play activities/toys and gross motor and fine motor play).

• Self-help skills – clean up, wash hands, bring snack to the table, and take plates to sink, put shoes etc.

Most children are between the ages of 2 and 3 when they enter our program. Every child’s program is individualized in order to meet his or her particular needs. The following is an example of how time is allocated in a typical 2-hour therapy session:

• 15 minutes Structured Play (inside)
• 60 minutes Language (e.g. short breaks throughout: up to 15 minutes language; 5-10 minutes play; up to 15 minutes language; 5-10 minutes play; etc.).


• 30 minutes Self-Help Skills


• 15 minutes Structured Play (outside)


• 15 minutes Record Completion and Debriefing 

Within this distribution, behavior continues to be monitored and modified, as needed, through various behavior management strategies. Any part of this distribution may be increased or decreased dependent upon the child’s age, stage of treatment etc.