Inside BUDS: A Thoughtful, Play-Based Approach to Social Skill Development
For many kids with autism or other neurodevelopmental disabilities, making friends and feeling confident in social settings can be a real challenge. That’s where BUDS comes in. Designed to build real-world social skills through connection, play, and evidence-based strategies, this group program meets each child exactly where they are.
What is BUDS?
BUDS stands for Building Up and Developing Social Skills, and that’s exactly what it’s designed to do. It’s a group ABA program for children and teens with autism or other neurodevelopmental disabilities, focused on helping participants grow their confidence, communication, and connection with others.
Groups meet once a week and are organized by ages 8–10, 10–13, and teens. Each group follows a year-long curriculum built by our team to match the developmental stage of the participants. Sessions blend direct instruction with games, hands-on activities, and plenty of time to practice real-life social skills in a safe, welcoming environment.
A Look Inside the Program
Cameron Sinquimani
M.Ed., BCBA, LBA
Director of Programs
What sets BUDS apart is the thoughtful way it’s built. “We use a topic from an evidence-based curriculum,” says Cameron Sinquimani, our lead BCBA, “but we design the PowerPoint presentations, games, and hands-on activities ourselves. That allows us to keep things fun and relevant while still grounded in best practices.”
The goal is not just to teach social skills, but to create experiences that feel meaningful and enjoyable for kids who might usually feel overwhelmed in group settings. From conversation games to teamwork challenges, everything is designed to support gradual and comfortable growth.
Guardians and Caregivers Are Part of the Journey
Social development doesn’t happen in isolation. That’s why BUDS includes a built-in parent and caregiver training component. These brief weekly sessions give families tools to reinforce what’s being learned in group to create consistency at home.
Come As You Are
BUDS isn’t about arriving with everything figured out. Some kids jump in with enthusiasm. Others hang back quietly, unsure of what to expect. Both are welcome. We take the time to get to know each participant before they join a group. Cameron emphasizes that the BUDS team doesn’t expect perfection or even full participation from day one, “Our clients are often nervous in the beginning, and that’s okay,” she says. “We build rapport, meet them where they are, and shape those social behaviors gently over time.”
During intake and assessment, they have a chance to meet the team and ease into the space. We also prepare the current group to warmly welcome new members so no one ever feels like the “new kid” on their own.
From Shy to Shining
“I’ve watched kids walk into their first session barely making eye contact and a few weeks later, they’re laughing with peers, sharing ideas, or asking thoughtful questions,” Cameron shares. “It doesn’t happen overnight, but with time, encouragement, and patience, kids begin to open up in ways that feel authentic and accessible.”
“There’s a lot of rapport-building in the beginning,” Cameron says. “Some kids are quiet for a few sessions, and that’s totally okay. We create space for them to get comfortable first, then grow from there.”
Social growth is a journey, and your child doesn’t have to walk it alone.
To learn more about BUDS or how to get started, reach out to autismcenter@grantagift.com .