Social Skills Training
Making friends is a skill — and like any skill, it can be taught. Social skills training helps your child learn to share, take turns, read the room, and feel more confident around other people, one real-life moment at a time.
A closer look at social skills training
Social skills training uses ABA to teach the everyday abilities that help kids connect with others — things like greeting a friend, taking turns, sharing, starting a conversation, recognizing how someone else feels, and handling disappointment when a game doesn't go their way.
A BCBA identifies which specific social skills will help your child most, then breaks them into clear, teachable steps. A Registered Behavior Technician practices those steps with your child, using modeling, role-play, and lots of encouragement, and gradually helps your child use them with siblings, peers, and family.
Because so much of social life happens at home and in the neighborhood, doing this work in your child's real environment helps the skills carry over. The goal isn't scripted behavior — it's genuine, more comfortable connection with the people around them.
Who benefits most
How it actually works
Your BCBA starts by pinpointing the social skills that matter most for your child right now — maybe it's joining a game, maybe it's managing big feelings when they lose. Those become clear, individualized goals.
In sessions, your RBT teaches and rehearses each skill in a low-pressure, supportive way. They might model how to greet someone, role-play a tricky moment, or set up a structured game to practice taking turns — always with plenty of positive reinforcement. Over time, practice moves from one-on-one into real interactions with siblings and peers.
Your BCBA tracks how your child is doing and adjusts goals as they grow more confident. You'll also get tips for encouraging these skills during playdates, family time, and out in the community, so the progress shows up where it counts.
How Getting Started Works
From your first phone call to your child's first session — and every step after — here's exactly how it goes.
Talk to a BCBA
Call, text, or fill out the form. A real person picks up, and a BCBA calls you back for an honest conversation about your child — no scripts, no sales pitch.
In-Home Assessment
Your BCBA meets your child where they're comfortable — at home — to understand their strengths, their challenges, and what matters most to your family.
We Verify Your Insurance
We call your insurance, confirm your benefits, and tell you exactly what's covered before anything starts. Most Iowa families pay little or nothing. Zero surprises.
Therapy Starts at Home
We match your child with the therapist who's the right fit and build a plan around their goals. Sessions start in the comfort of your home, on your schedule.
Progress You Can See
Your BCBA tracks every goal and reviews the data with you regularly. You'll always know what's working, what's next, and how far your child has come.
We Stick With You
As your child grows, we adjust the plan, keep coaching you, and stay just a text away. This is a long-haul partnership — not a drop-off and goodbye.
Questions About Social Skills Training
Straight answers. If yours isn't here, just call or text us.
Since Tall Grass is in-home-first, most social skills work begins one-on-one with your child's RBT, then expands to include siblings, family members, and peers as your child is ready. This lets us build skills in a comfortable setting before practicing them in busier, real-world situations.
ABA can teach the concrete skills that friendships are built on — greeting others, sharing, taking turns, reading cues, and keeping a conversation going. We can't script genuine friendship, but by building these foundations and practicing them in real life, many kids become noticeably more confident and connected.
Social skills goals are usually part of a broader, individualized ABA plan rather than a standalone block of hours. After an assessment, your BCBA will recommend an overall schedule and weave social goals into it. We tailor the intensity to your child's needs.
Yes, when it's part of a medically necessary ABA treatment plan for autism, it's covered by Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and other commercial insurers, with Iowa Medicaid coming soon. Most Iowa families pay little to nothing out of pocket. We'll confirm your benefits before getting started.
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Learn moreAdolescent & Teen ABA
ABA that grows up with your child — independence, social confidence, and life skills for teens.
Learn moreLet's Talk About Your Child
Fill out this quick form and we'll get back to you fast. Or just call us at (319) 319-9770 — a real person picks up.
What happens next?
- Free, no-obligation BCBA consultation
- We verify your insurance before anything starts
- Most Iowa families pay little or nothing out of pocket
- Flexible scheduling — weekends, after school, you name it
- A team that treats your kid like family
- We pick up the phone or call you right back
Your information is private and HIPAA-protected. A real person follows up fast — and most Iowa families pay little or nothing out of pocket.
Prefer to talk it through?
Call us now or grab a free 15-minute slot with a BCBA — whatever's easiest for you.
Ready to Talk?
No commitment, no pressure, no sales pitch. Just a real conversation with a BCBA about your child. Call, text, or book a time — whatever's easiest for you.