Yes! We hold sessions in Gilbert, AZ, and on Fridays at a therapy ranch in San Tan Valley, and we welcome families from across the East Valley — including Mesa, Chandler, Tempe, Queen Creek, and San Tan Valley. If you're looking for ABA-based social skills groups for neurodivergent kids or teens anywhere in the East Valley, we'd love to have you join us.

We offer social skills groups for children and teens ages 8 to 16, organized by age and developmental level to ensure the best fit for each participant.

Groups are intentionally small, typically 3 to 6 participants, to support personalized instruction, meaningful peer interaction, and a safe, structured environment.

Each group session is 90 minutes long and sessions run one time per week. In Gilbert, we offer two classes each on Mondays (4:00–5:30 p.m. and 5:30–7:00 p.m.), Tuesdays (3:30–5:00 p.m. and 5:00–6:30 p.m.), and Wednesdays (3:30–5:00 p.m. and 5:00–6:30 p.m.). At our San Tan Valley farm, three 90-minute classes run on Fridays between 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Our Gilbert sessions are held on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at the Advancing Life Learners Campus, 801 East Elliot Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85234 — an easy drive from Mesa, Chandler, Tempe, and Queen Creek. On Fridays, we also hold outdoor groups at a therapy ranch near Ironwood Drive and Germann Road in San Tan Valley.

Our San Tan Valley groups meet on Fridays, with three 90-minute classes between 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., at a therapy ranch near Ironwood Drive and Germann Road, in a house converted for children with special needs. Kids practice social skills outdoors with farm animals, with plenty of room in a large, safe space for movement-based activities. Just like in Gilbert, groups are small and for ages 8 to 16. To enroll, email lindsay@azplayconnect.com.

Please send your child in closed-toe shoes, wearing sunscreen, and with a water bottle.

Yes. Just like our Gilbert groups, the San Tan Valley farm groups can be paid privately or with ESA (Empowerment Scholarship Account) funds.

Not yet! Right now, our Gilbert groups meet at the Advancing Life Learners Campus, and our Friday groups meet at a therapy ranch in San Tan Valley. We're raising funds to build a permanent home for PlayConnect in the Valley: a space designed just for neurodivergent kids, teens, and their families, with social and play spaces, sensory-supportive areas, a teen space, and a family space. A home of our own will let us add more groups, serve more ages, and offer more times that work for families. Donations are tax-deductible through our fiscal sponsor, The Funding Studio, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Visit our Donate page to learn more and support the campaign.

Each group is led by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with the support of trained staff. All instruction is rooted in the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and adapted to meet the needs of each group.

We completely understand and we’re here to support them. Our sessions are designed to be welcoming, low-pressure, and fun. We’ll take time to build trust, establish routines, and help each child feel comfortable before jumping into group interactions.

Yes, there is a viewing room or you may sit in the gym. You may also remain on campus outside of the building during class.

We understand that things come up. While we don’t offer refunds or makeup classes for missed sessions, we will provide a brief summary of what was covered and, when possible, ideas for practicing the skill at home.

Yes! If you’re seeking additional support or want to discuss whether a group is the right fit, we’re happy to set up a brief consultation.

We do not bill insurance directly. However, families can use ESA funds (Empowerment Scholarship Account) or pay privately. You can learn more about ESA eligibility at https://www.azed.gov/esa.

Email us at lindsay@azplayconnect.com We’ll walk you through the intake process and help determine the best placement for your child.

We support skills like communication, turn-taking, teamwork, emotional regulation, perspective-taking, and building friendships. Our activities are designed to encourage interaction in a fun, low-pressure way.

PlayConnect is ideal for neurodivergent kids and teens who would benefit from extra support in social settings, especially those who thrive in structured but flexible environments. If you're unsure, we’re happy to talk with you to see if it’s the right fit. The BCBA will do a brief assessment with your child to determine placement.

ABA stands for Applied Behavior Analysis. It's a science-based approach that helps us understand how behavior works and how to teach important life skills in a clear, consistent, and supportive way. At PlayConnect, we use ABA to help kids develop social and communication skills in fun, engaging ways.

While ABA is often used in 1:1 therapy setting, PlayConnect uses ABA principles in a group environment. We focus on teaching friendship skills, group cooperation, and emotional regulation using games, movement, and peer interaction.

We use positive reinforcement to encourage helpful social behaviors—like taking turns, asking questions, and using kind words. When a child uses a skill, they earn 'Connect Coins' or social praise to celebrate their effort and growth.

Yes. At PlayConnect, we honor each child's unique way of thinking and communicating. Our use of ABA is never about changing who a child is, it's about building tools for success, connection, and confidence.