Social Skills Training (SST)
Helping Children Build Meaningful Connections Through Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
At KidsHeart Medical Center Abu Dhabi, we help children move beyond structured therapy into real-world success. Our Social Skills Training (SST) programs are rooted in the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and focus on teaching children how to communicate, engage, and interact confidently with others. Learn more about our therapy services here.
Whether your child struggles with peer interaction, group participation, or understanding social rules, SST empowers them with the skills needed to connect, cooperate, and thrive in a variety of social settings — from classrooms to playgrounds to home environments.
What Is Social Skills Training (SST)?
SST is an evidence-based intervention that applies ABA strategies to teach specific social behaviors such as:
- Initiating and responding to greetings
- Engaging in turn-taking and cooperative play
- Maintaining conversations
- Reading and interpreting body language, facial expressions, and tone
- Understanding personal space and managing boundaries
- Waiting appropriately and resolving minor social conflicts
- Asking for help and offering help to others
These skills are taught using a structured, step-by-step approach that includes direct instruction, modeling, role-play, visual supports, reinforcement, and generalization. Sessions are available both individually (1:1) and in small groups, based on the child’s readiness and goals.
When to Consider SST
Your child may benefit from SST if they:
- Avoid or withdraw from peer interaction
- Have difficulty making or keeping friends
- Interrupt or talk over others
- Misinterpret jokes, sarcasm, or facial expressions
- Show rigid or repetitive play patterns
- Struggle with transitions or shared play in group settings
- Exhibit socially inappropriate behaviors due to limited awareness
- Need help generalizing behavior from therapy into everyday life
SST supports children across a range of diagnoses including autism, ADHD, language delays, social anxiety, and other developmental challenges.
What to Expect at KidsHeart
- Social Skills Assessment
We begin with structured observation and caregiver input to identify your child’s current social strengths and needs. - Individualized Goal Setting
Based on developmental level and priority areas, we set specific, measurable social goals (e.g., maintain a 3-turn conversation or increase joint attention during play). - Therapy Sessions
Children participate in sessions that include modeling, prompting, role-playing, and reinforcement. Group sessions allow for natural peer interaction with therapist support. - Skill Practice and Generalization
We teach and rehearse skills using realistic scenarios and tools such as video modeling, visuals, and social stories. Generalization strategies ensure skills are applied in daily routines, across settings and people. - Family Coaching
Parents receive training to reinforce target behaviors at home, in the community, and during playdates or school transitions. - Ongoing Monitoring
We track progress regularly and adjust goals as your child develops confidence and independence.
Why Choose KidsHeart for SST?
- ABA-certified therapists (BCBAs, RBTs) with expertise in social development
- Programs customized to each child’s age, strengths, and readiness
- Calm, supportive environment designed for emotional and social growth
- Integration with speech therapy, occupational therapy, and educational support
- Emphasis on positive reinforcement, motivation, and natural learning opportunities
We go beyond teaching social skills — we help children build confidence, create friendships, and develop the foundation for lifelong interaction.
Dr. Dolly Habbal
Consultant Psychologist – PhD in Clinical Psychology
Dr. Deiaaeldin Adel Hosny
Consultant Clinical Psychologist – American Psychology Association & British Psychological Society
No Doctors found! with ID: 12483
Social Confidence Begins with Support
At KidsHeart Medical Center Abu Dhabi, our Functional Behavior Assessments offer a starting point for real, meaningful change. By identifying what drives a child’s behavior, we can create clear, personalized paths to support them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes. We use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) strategies such as PECS or speech-generating devices to support social participation.
No. SST benefits children with a variety of needs including ADHD, language delays, anxiety, or shyness.
Group sessions are small (2–4 children) to ensure individualized support and naturalistic peer interaction.
Yes. Visual schedules, video modeling, and social narratives are integral to our teaching approach.
Absolutely. Parent involvement is encouraged to support generalization and provide consistency across environments.
While results vary, most families report noticeable progress within a few weeks. Long-term improvement is supported through consistency and reinforcement.