Autism Learning Center

Kids Connect 2 and the Friends in S.T.E.P. social groups ended their summer with a fun night at Kings Island on August 31st. The crew rode many rides and the night was capped off with fireworks! Everyone looks forward to this outing each year. Special thanks goes out to staff and volunteers who helped make this night a success. The next outing will be a night at Niederman Farm in October.

Kids Connect 2 social group is best suited for children who are verbal and have challenges with their social communication skills. The group provides children the opportunity to learn how to interact with peers. Fun activities are designed to target flexible thinking, expected and unexpected behaviors, following the group plan, and the size of the problem.

Friends in STEP (Social Thinking, Executive function, Physical fitness) is designed to increase independence with activities of daily living, social communication, fitness, nutrition and problem solving. The group works on organization and planning by incorporating community outings and utilization of these skills in everyday situations. An evaluation is needed for appropriate placement.

Some children are inhibited in their discovery by a delay or disability in the areas of motor development, strength, balance, and/or coordination. Therapy provides opportunities for children to address these needs. Abilities First Therapists provide Friends in STEP (Social Thinking, Executive function, Physical fitness) with activities that group members can work on in a therapy and at home.
Friends in STEP is a therapy group for student’s ages 16 - 24 years. It is designed to increase independence with activities of daily living, social communication, fitness, nutrition and problem solving. The group works on organization and planning by incorporating community outings and utilization of these skills in everyday situations. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Bettie at 513-423-9496 or email her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Congratulations to the Hope House Mission for breaking ground for their new facility in Middletown. Abilities First donated property for on Grove Street for the Hope House Mission’s new project. Pictured is Abilities First President Robin Usalis, and Middletown Mayor Lawrence P. Mulligan, Jr.