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Social Skills Groups for Autism in Chicago and Surrounding Suburbs

At Rise Up For Autism, we know how important it is for your child to learn critical social skills to help facilitate peer interaction and build lifelong friendships. Embedded within our ABA and school readiness programs, our model of therapy offers social groups throughout the day. Our clinics in Chicago and surrounding suburbs are tailored for children ages 2-6 who might need extra support in fostering social and communicative skills.

Rise Up For Autism

We Accept Most Insurance

Financial Assistance and Payment Plans Available

  • blue cross
  • aetna
  • uni healthcare
  • phcs

Dedicated Social Skills Training in Chicago

Welcome

Our social skills training (SST) for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) will help each child learn to play, interact, and identify social cues. We have multiple convenient centers in Chicago, Aurora, Joliet, and Tinley Park and a team of clinicians who will assess your child’s current social skills and work with them 1:1 and in a group setting to reach vital socialization benchmarks.

  • RBT Certified Therapists
  • 100+ Families Helped
  • Proud Partner of Joliet School District 86
  • Free Consultation
  • Flexible Full Time and Part-Time Therapy Options
About Us

Steps Before ABA Therapy for Social Skills

  • Initial Consultation

    Begin with a complimentary consultation with our Outreach and Family Support Coordinator to ask questions and voice any concerns.

    Begin Enrollment
  • Benefit Check

    Next, we’ll verify your insurance benefits, go over your insurance coverage, and review financial support and payment options.

    Get Insurance Info
  • Assessment

    Schedule a thorough assessment with a Board Certified Behavioral Analyst to determine the best therapy plan for them.

    Get Help With Diagnosis
  • Therapy

    Our 1:1 therapists implement an individualized treatment plan, emphasizing socialization, communication, and daily living skills.

    View Our Services

What Is Social Skills Training (SST)?

Social Skills Training (SST) is a structured approach to help children develop and enhance their social interaction skills to engage and interact with peers, family, and their community.

It involves breaking down specific social skills into smaller, more achievable steps and then using evidence-based methods to teach critical social and communicative skills. Our team of experienced Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and Behavior Technicians (BTs) ensures that goals are clear, measurable, and achievable.

  • Socialization programs focus on teaching children how to:

    • Greet someone
    • Participate in group activities
    • Follow directions
    • Use manners
    • Share
    • Listen
    • Respect personal space
  • Social skills training can include things like:

    • Turn-taking
    • Identifying others emotions
    • Detecting social cues
    • Asking questions of others
    • Role-playing common social situations
    • Initiating and maintaining conversations

Does Our Autism Social Skills Program Work?

Social skills programs based on the philosophy of ABA demonstrate their effectiveness in several ways, offering a range of valuable benefits:

  • Improve Social Interactions
  • Enhance Communication Skills
  • Reduce Social Anxiety
  • Increase Independence
  • Enhance Self-Esteem
  • Better Relationships

These programs provide a structured and evidence-based approach to address the unique social challenges faced by children with autism, ultimately enhancing their quality of life.

Our Approach to Social Skills Training

The socialization skills program at Rise Up For Autism is designed to provide effective support and guidance through structured steps:

  • Frequency

    Our SST group meets several times per day, ensuring focused and constant learning.

  • Individual Support

    Although children are in a group setting during social skills groups, each child will still have a 1:1 therapist to help prompt, model, and teach specific social skills. Over time, the therapist’s presence will fade out as they progress within the group.

  • Group Size

    Our social skills group typically consists of two to six individuals, creating an interactive and conducive environment for learning.

  • Duration

    The program continues throughout the duration of the child’s time in the ABA program, allowing for consistent skill development and improvement.

  • Experienced Leadership

    Our group is led by our dedicated clinicians who specialize in teaching positive social behaviors, enhancing verbal and nonverbal communication, improving social interactions, and developing essential skills.

Eager to Sign Up?

Help your child in learning how to interact with the world. Contact us for more information on social skills group therapy today.

What Makes Us Different?

  • Early Intervention

    Research has shown that the earlier children are exposed to social skills training, the better their progress.

  • Evidence-Based Approach

    In order to ensure the best outcomes for your child, Rise Up utilizes scientifically proven methods and procedures based on comprehensive autism therapy.

  • Center-Based

    We provide an enriching learning environment and the opportunity for them to interact with peers at our dedicated centers.

  • Expert BCBA & RBT Specialists

    Benefit from our team of highly trained Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) for top-quality care at our specialized centers.

Begin Enrollment

Our Patients Love Us

5

My child has benefited greatly from the ABA therapy program offered by Rise Up for Autism in Chicago. The center's caring and organized approach, along with the team's competence, have equipped my 6-year-old with the necessary tools for success.

Deuzt C.

5

Rise Up for Autism's team has been an extraordinary asset to our family. They deliver exceptional ABA therapy and have facilitated remarkable progress in our son's communication and social abilities.

Bonnie B.

5

Choosing to start our child at Rise Up for Autism for ABA therapy was the best decision we made. The personalized therapy plans, caring staff, and a welcoming atmosphere have made a significant impact on our child's growth. We are very grateful.

Liam S.

5

Rise Up for Autism's center-based facility in Chicago is highly recommended. For my three-year-old, it offers the ideal educational setting, and the therapists are not only highly qualified experts but also show a great deal of empathy and understanding.

Eric F.

5

Our experience with Rise Up for Autism has been truly exceptional. The dedication of the staff, the personalized approach to therapy, and the progress our child has made are beyond remarkable. We couldn't be happier with the support and care they provide.

Page A.

5

Our journey with Rise Up for Autism has been great! The therapists' dedication to our child's unique needs is evident and we've witnessed remarkable progress. We look forward to what's ahead!

Dennis G.

5

Chicago's Rise Up for Autism is fantastic! The counselors are skilled and compassionate. For my 4-year-old, the setting—which is comparable to school—has been beneficial. I value their commitment to assisting kids.

Gary G.

5

I'm really happy about Rise Up for Autism in Chicago! The therapists are doing a wonderful job treating my 6-year-old daughter, and I can tell that she is making progress in areas that will be important when she starts school.

Mary M.

5

My child has benefited greatly from the ABA therapy program offered by Rise Up for Autism in Chicago. My 6-year-old has all the tools he needs to achieve thanks to the team's experience and the center's organized, caring attitude.

King P.

5

Chicago's Rise Up for Autism is amazing! My three-year-old is in a friendly environment thanks to the kind personnel. The center's emphasis on tailored programs and an environment akin to a school has helped my child's progress.

Carla F.

Reviews

Leading Experts in Social Skills Therapy

Dr. Carly Lapin

Dr. Carly Lapin

CEO, Ph.D., BCBA-D

Kelly Finnegan

Kelly Finnegan

Co-Founder, Director of Business Administration

Anna Pajor

Anna Pajor

Director of Human Resources, SPHR

Jennifer Vorce

Jennifer Vorce

Regional Clinical Director, BCBA, M.Ed.

Meet Our Team

Serving Families Throughout Illinois

View Our Locations
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Ready to Get Started?

Start their journey towards enhanced relationship-building skills. Contact Rise Up For Autism today to provide your child with the tools they need to succeed.

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