Extra-Curricular Therapy
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Author:
Sarra Ghezali, M.A., Applied Behavior Analysis, President & Senior Consultant
Clinical Reviewer:
Jenia F. Johnson, M.S., BCBA, LBA
What We Offer
Extra-Curricular Therapy at Caper ABA Services
At Caper ABA Services, we believe that learning and growth extend far beyond the therapy center. Children with autism benefit not only from structured Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), speech, or occupational therapy, but also from opportunities to explore new experiences, form friendships, and engage with their communities.
That’s why we offer Extra-Curricular Therapy, a program designed to help children and teens develop social, physical, and emotional skills through engaging, real-world experiences. Our approach integrates sports therapy and culturally sensitive practices, including programs for Arabic-speaking families and teen social groups.
Extra-Curricular Therapy is more than just recreation; it is a meaningful complement to clinical services that reinforces independence, confidence, and inclusion in ways that can last a lifetime.
Our Program
Sports Therapy for Autism
Sports and physical activity provide many benefits for children with autism, including improved coordination, increased confidence, and better emotional regulation. Our Sports Therapy Program is specifically designed to help children enhance their motor skills and engage socially through structured and adaptive athletic activities.
Key components of our sports therapy program include:
- Adapted activities: Sports are tailored to meet each child’s abilities and interests, whether it’s soccer, basketball, swimming, or other physical activities.
- Motor skill development: Children practice balance, coordination, strength, and body awareness in a supportive environment.
- Social skill integration: Sports provide natural opportunities for teamwork, communication, turn-taking, and problem-solving with peers.
- Emotional regulation: Participation in sports helps children learn to manage excitement, frustration, and competition in a safe, structured context.
- Confidence building: Success in physical activities encourages a sense of achievement and pride, which translates into other areas of life.
Our sports therapy is conducted by trained therapists who understand the sensory, motor, and social challenges associated with autism. Sessions are designed to be engaging and enjoyable, ensuring that children remain motivated while developing meaningful skills.
Culturally Sensitive & Socially Accepting Services
At Caper ABA Services, we understand that each family brings unique cultural and linguistic traditions. Our extracurricular programs are designed to be inclusive, culturally sensitive, and socially accepting, helping children and families feel valued and respected.
By honoring cultural norms and valuing diversity, our programs help children develop a sense of belonging while acquiring new skills. This approach also supports families, ensuring that therapy is in line with their values and fits into their daily routines.
- Arabic language support: Our programs include Arabic-speaking staff and bilingual services for children and families who prefer therapy in their native language.
- Cultural accommodations: We recognize the importance of cultural and religious practices, and we can incorporate activities such as mosque visits or holiday traditions into therapy sessions when appropriate.
- Social inclusion: Extra-curricular therapy emphasizes social acceptance and understanding, creating a safe environment where children of all abilities and backgrounds can participate fully.
Our Program Offerings
Teen Social Groups
Social development is an important concern for families with children who have autism, especially as these children reach adolescence. In response to this need, Caper ABA Services organizes teen social groups aimed at helping adolescents make friends, build social confidence, and practice communication skills in a structured and supportive environment. Key features of our teen social programs include:
- Structured social activities: Guided by therapists, teens engage in games, collaborative projects, and group discussions that encourage conversation and teamwork.
- Skill building: Activities focus on real-world social skills, including initiating conversation, understanding social cues, managing conflicts, and expressing emotions appropriately.
- Safe, supportive environment: Teens are supported by trained staff who understand the unique challenges associated with autism and can provide guidance as needed.
- Peer connections: The program fosters friendships, peer mentoring, and a sense of community, helping adolescents feel less isolated and more confident in social situations.
Our teen groups are designed to complement clinical therapy by reinforcing communication, emotional regulation, and social skills in natural settings. Many families report that participating in these groups helps teens apply the skills learned in ABA or speech therapy to real-world interactions.
Why Choose This Therapy
The Benefits of Extra-Curricular Therapy at Caper ABA Services
Caper ABA’s extra-curricular programs provide benefits that extend far beyond skill-building:
Skills acquired in structured therapy sessions are reinforced when applied in natural, playful, and social settings. Extracurricular therapy provides children with opportunities to practice communication, social interaction, emotional regulation, and motor skills in real-life situations.
For instance, a child can practice turn-taking and sharing while playing soccer, or use verbal requests and gestures during a swimming activity. These experiences make therapy functional, relevant, and meaningful.
Many children with autism experience social challenges, including difficulty making friends, interpreting social cues, or joining group activities. Extra-curricular therapy provides a low-pressure, guided environment for children to build relationships, practice social skills, and experience the joy of friendship.
Teen social groups, in particular, help adolescents develop confidence and independence while reducing social isolation. By providing consistent opportunities for peer interaction, children learn to navigate social situations more successfully.
Sports and physical activities support gross and fine motor skills, coordination, strength, and overall fitness. Regular movement and exercise also contribute to emotional regulation, focus, and overall well-being.
By integrating physical activity into therapy, children can build healthy habits that extend beyond therapy sessions, supporting lifelong wellness.
Our programs are designed to be welcoming and inclusive for children of all abilities and backgrounds. Cultural and linguistic considerations, such as Arabic-language support and mosque visits, ensure that therapy respects family values and traditions.
This approach promotes acceptance, reduces barriers to participation, and fosters a sense of belonging for every child and family.
Families are integral partners in extra-curricular therapy. Staff provide guidance, resources, and support to help parents reinforce skills at home and in community settings. Parents can observe sessions, participate when appropriate, and gain confidence in supporting their child’s social and motor development.
Our interconnected approach
How Extra-Curricular Therapy Complements ABA, Speech, and Occupational Therapy
Extra-curricular therapy is not a replacement for ABA, speech, or occupational therapy — it’s a natural extension that reinforces and generalizes skills learned in these programs.
- ABA Therapy: Skills such as requesting items, following instructions, and managing behaviors can be practiced in social and physical activities.
- Speech Therapy: Communication skills, including verbal and non-verbal expression, are used in peer interactions and structured games.
- Occupational Therapy: Sensory regulation, coordination, and self-care skills are strengthened during sports, movement, and group activities.
By providing opportunities to apply skills in meaningful, enjoyable, and socially relevant contexts, extra-curricular therapy enhances the effectiveness of clinical interventions.
Why Choose Us
Why Parents Can Trust Caper ABA Services
Safe, Supportive Environment
Activities are structured, supervised, and designed to maximize engagement and safety.
Evidence-Based Practices
Programs are designed based on research and best practices for children with autism.
Family-Centered Approach
Parents are partners in goal-setting, observation, and skill reinforcement.
Culturally Sensitive Services
Programs respect language, religion, and family traditions, including Arabic-language support and mosque visits.
Experienced, Caring Staff
Our therapists are trained in autism, sensory integration, social skills development, and adaptive sports.
Holistic Care Model
Extra-curricular therapy complements ABA, speech, and occupational therapy, creating a comprehensive plan for growth.
Helping Children Thrive Beyond the Therapy Room
Extra-curricular therapy at Caper ABA Services is more than an activity. For teens, our social groups provide a safe space to make friends, practice communication, and gain confidence in social situations — supporting independence and emotional well-being.
Sports therapy, cultural accommodations, and teen social programs all work together to create a rich, engaging environment where children can grow holistically.
- Explore new physical and social experiences
- Build friendships and social confidence
- Strengthen motor, communication, and sensory skills
- Learn in culturally sensitive, inclusive environments
- Enjoy activities that are meaningful, fun, and motivating
Join Us
Get Started with Extra-Curricular Therapy
At Caper ABA Services, we understand that growth happens in every setting — not just in the clinic. Our extra-curricular therapy programs are designed to reinforce skills, encourage social connection, and support holistic development. Contact us today to learn more about:
- Sports therapy for children with autism
- Teen social groups and social skill-building activities
- Culturally sensitive programs, including Arabic-language services and mosque visits
- Integrating extra-curricular therapy with ABA, speech, and occupational therapy
Let us help your child discover new abilities, make friends, and thrive in every aspect of life. Caper ABA Services — Expanding horizons, building confidence, and celebrating every child’s success.
Get Started
Find The Difference in Caper ABA
Caper ABA combines extensive experience with a deep commitment to providing high-quality support in the Chicago ABA landscape. With a team of dedicated professionals who specialize in Applied Behavior Analysis, Caper ABA is dedicated to fostering meaningful progress for individuals and families. Our tailored programs are designed to meet the unique needs of each client, ensuring a compassionate and effective approach to therapy.