Social and Play Skills Development
Building Confidence Through Culturally Aligned Social Learning
At California Behavioral Treatment Center, we believe that developing strong social and play skills is a vital part of a child’s growth. Our Social and Play Skills Development service helps children learn how to build relationships, express themselves appropriately, and engage meaningfully with others—while keeping in mind their age, family values, and cultural background.
We don’t just teach social “rules”—we teach your child how to connect, communicate, and thrive in a way that respects your traditions and aligns with your family’s expectations.
What Are Social and Play Skills?
Social and play skills refer to a broad set of behaviors that help children interact positively with peers, adults, and their environment. These include:
Initiating and maintaining conversations
Sharing and taking turns
Understanding personal space and social cues
Playing cooperatively with others
Problem-solving during group activities
Our ABA-based approach uses structured teaching, modeling, reinforcement, and naturalistic play opportunities to help your child build these essential skills step by step.
Culture-Informed Social Development
Social expectations vary across cultures, and we take care to honor those differences. Our team:
Learns how your family defines respectful interaction, communication, and emotional expression
Adjusts lessons to reflect your child’s cultural context and age-appropriate expectations
Incorporates familiar games, activities, and language into learning
Teaches through scenarios that reflect your home and community life
Whether your child is learning to play with a sibling or make friends at school, we make sure the lessons are both relatable and relevant.
Benefits of Social and Play Skills
Helps children build and maintain friendships
Improves emotional awareness and self-regulation
Enhances cooperation and turn-taking
Encourages independent and group play
Respects and integrates cultural definitions of social success
Promotes peer inclusion in school and community settings
Increases confidence in social environments
FAQs
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Children of all ages can benefit, especially those with autism or developmental delays who may struggle with social understanding or peer engagement.
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We learn about your family’s beliefs and social expectations during intake and use that information to guide lesson planning, materials, and interaction styles.
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Yes, when appropriate. Group sessions may be offered to help your child practice peer interaction in a supportive environment.
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No problem. We use visual supports, modeling, and alternative communication strategies to help every child engage at their level.
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We offer caregiver coaching and feedback, so you can help your child practice their new skills during daily routines and family activities.