Transitional Social and Life Skills
As a teen, your child is experiencing many changes. Now is an essential time to reassess their needs and skills, and pursue instruction that addresses the unique challenges accompanying the teenage years. It’s never too soon to start the journey to independence.
Develop Independent Life Skills
Your teen will be expertly grouped based on age and ability alongside neurotypical peers to facilitate appropriate relationships. Weekly lessons will focus on improving social interaction and beginning to develop independent living skills in a group-learning environment. Additionally, your teen will work toward mastering a set of goals that is specific to their strengths and challenges. These goals will be chosen collaboratively with your teen, and family. Data is collected on skill performance and behaviors in order to monitor progress. Instruction will be adjusted as needed.
Director: Alyssa Hernandez, BCBA
Phone: 610-660-2169
Email: ahernand@sju.edu
- Tuesdays: January 30 - April 16
- No program on February 13 or March 5
- Ages 15+ | 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
- Cost: $1000
It was so much fun to meet other kids my age. I talk to them and know I’m not the only one with autism in this world."
![Camp Kinney Talent Show]()
Sam Lacoste
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The Kinney Center offers programming for all ages and ability levels. Due to our training model, individuals may not be accommodated if intensive behavioral support is required. This includes but is not limited to severe aggressive behaviors or intensive self-injury. If you are unsure if your child will qualify, it is recommended to submit their most recent behavior intervention plan and up to date behavioral data for review. Families may be requested to come in for an observational visit per behavioral review.
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The Kinney Center’s unique staffing model is inspired by our two-fold mission to serve individuals affected by autism while training students studying to work in the field. Most programs are staffed 1-to-1 by undergraduate students, known as Kinney SCHOLARS. SCHOLARS receive two weeks of intensive training upon acceptance into their role, have all relevant clearances from the state, and are both CPR and CPI certified. In addition, Graduate Assistants within related fields manage the team of SCHOLARS, meeting on a weekly basis to discuss skill progress and suggested teaching activities. Ultimately the program is overseen by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) from our full time staff. The BCBA’s roles include training and supervising SCHOLARS in skill teaching procedures and behavioral interventions. The program manager is available to complete functional behavior assessments and behavior intervention plans for students that present behavioral concerns during the program.
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Youth Social Skills is held in the Kinney Center, which is located in Connelly Hall, Room 250 (#85 on the Campus Map). Parking is available in Quinn Lot off of Latches Lane (#78 on the Campus Map) & Upper Duperreault Lot off of Latches Lane (between #82 and #88 on the Campus Map)
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In the case of inclement weather that causes program cancellation, sessions will not be rescheduled due to time and space restrictions. Outdoor programs have an alternative indoor space available if needed. Make sure to update your profile with a valid email and cell phone number to ensure you receive up to the minute information.
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Due to the educational component of the Kinney Center, at various times, students enrolled in the autism major, minor or certificate program will be observing programs as part of their coursework.
Saturday Recreational Programming
Stay healthy, improve dexterity, and access new activities safely, while building sportsmanship and socialization skills.