HI-STEP

With 2 New Jersey locations (Pennington & Marlton), HI-STEP® is designed for children with social skills difficulties independent of a specific diagnosis. Many participants include youth with high-functioning autism spectrum disorders (Asperger's Syndrome, High Functioning Autism), nonverbal learning disabilities, ADHD, learning disabilities, anxiety, etc.. Many children attend HI-STEP® as part of their Extended School Year (ESY) programming, paid for by the child's local school district. Parents may also pay privately. A diagnosis or special education classification is not required.
Program dates: June 29 - July 31, 2020; closed July 2nd and 3rd

Age range: 6 to 17 years

HI-STEP Locations:
1) Central New Jersey: Pennington, NJ Elementary School (Located in Mercer County with easy access from major highways: minutes from Princeton, Flemington, and Bucks County, PA).
2) Southern New Jersey: Van Zant Elementary School (Marlton - Evesham Township, NJ: Located in Burlington County with easy access from major highways; minutes from Cherry Hill and Mt. Laurel).

The program includes the following
-structured activities with ongoing supervision
-social-emotional skills training provided in a group format with role-playing
-ongoing feedback and problem-solving via incidental learning
strategies to promote generalization of skills
-small-group format (4:1 child-staff ratio)
-individualized attention and support as needed
-sports and recreational activities emphasizing cooperation and group problem-solving rather than competition
-ongoing feedback and Positive Reinforcement System to help shape appropriate social-emotional skill
-parent handouts to assist child to generalize learned skills
-parent seminars.

Social-emotional skills commonly targeted include
-making and keeping friends
-impulse control and problem-solving
anger/frustration management
-handling teasing
-complying with requests
-complimenting others and accepting feedback
-conversation skills.

HI-STEP collaborates with Behavior Therapy Associates (BTA), a private group practice founded in 1979. Dr. Michael Selbst serves as the Executive Director. BTA combines the skills and talents of licensed psychologists, school psychologists, board certified behavior analysts, and post-doctoral fellows to provide high quality behavioral and cognitive therapies, evaluations, consultation and training using evidence-based approaches within the context of sensitivity and compassion while recognizing the uniqueness of each individual and setting.

ONGOING PROGRAMS:
BTA provides comprehensive services for individuals, their families and schools. These services include
-social skills training
-individual and family therapy
-parent training
-school-based consultations
-evaluations
-workshops