Play & Social Skills

Helping Children Build Meaningful Play and Social Skills in Irvine, CA

Play is one of the primary ways children learn, connect, and explore the world around them. Through play, children develop important social, communication, emotional, and problem-solving skills that support success at home, school, and in their communities.

At Aligned ABA, we provide individualized Play & Social Skills programs for children and families throughout Irvine, California. Using evidence-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), we help children strengthen the skills needed to engage with others, build friendships, participate in group activities, and navigate social situations with confidence.

Our goal is to help children develop meaningful connections while building the foundational social skills that support lifelong success.

Schedule a Meet and Greet

What Are Play & Social Skills?

Play and social skills encompass a wide range of abilities that help children interact with others, participate in activities, and develop relationships.

Some children naturally acquire these skills through everyday experiences, while others benefit from structured support and guided learning opportunities.

Our ABA-based Play & Social Skills programs focus on helping children develop:

  • Cooperative play skills
  • Peer interaction skills
  • Conversation skills
  • Turn-taking
  • Sharing
  • Emotional awareness
  • Social problem-solving
  • Group participation
  • Friendship-building skills

Each program is customized to the child's developmental level, strengths, and goals.

Why Play and Social Skills Matter

  • Building Friendships

    Children learn how to initiate interactions, engage with peers, and develop positive social connections.

  • Improving Communication

    Play creates opportunities to practice communication, listening, and conversational skills.

  • Increasing Confidence

    As children become more successful in social situations, they often develop greater self-confidence and independence.

  • Supporting School Success

    Many classroom activities require cooperation, communication, and participation with peers.

  • Developing Emotional Awareness

    Children learn how to recognize emotions, understand perspectives, and respond appropriately in social situations.

Play & Social Skills We Help Develop

  • Cooperative Play

    Children learn skills such as:

    • Playing alongside peers
    • Participating in group activities
    • Sharing materials
    • Taking turns
    • Following game rules

  • Friendship Skills

    Goals may include:

    • Initiating interactions
    • Inviting others to play
    • Maintaining friendships
    • Joining group activities
    • Showing interest in others

  • Social Communication Skills

    Children may work on:

    • Greeting others
    • Asking questions
    • Maintaining conversations
    • Understanding social cues
    • Listening and responding appropriately

  • Emotional Regulation

    Programs may focus on:

    • Identifying emotions
    • Managing frustration
    • Coping with disappointment
    • Expressing feelings appropriately

  • Problem-Solving Skills

    Children learn how to:

    • Resolve conflicts
    • Navigate social challenges
    • Make appropriate choices
    • Adapt to changing situations

Our Play & Social Skills Approach

Every child's social development journey is unique.

Our Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) create individualized treatment plans designed to help children practice and strengthen social skills in meaningful ways.

Our ABA-based approach includes:

  • Play-based learning
  • Natural environment teaching
  • Peer interaction opportunities
  • Positive reinforcement
  • Social modeling
  • Structured learning activities
  • Family collaboration
  • Data-driven treatment planning

We focus on helping children apply social skills across home, school, and community environments to promote long-term success.

Play & Social Skills Services in Irvine, CA

Families throughout Irvine and Orange County trust Aligned ABA to help children build confidence in social situations and develop meaningful relationships.

Our programs provide individualized support that helps children strengthen communication, cooperation, emotional awareness, and social engagement skills through evidence-based ABA therapy.

Whether your child is learning foundational play skills or developing more advanced social interactions, our team is committed to helping them succeed.

Schedule a Meet and Greet