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Teens

We believe that learning should be both fun and meaningful, no matter your age. Our Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy program helps teens with autism, ADHD, and other developmental needs make positive changes in their everyday lives.

ABA Therapy

For Teens

At The Buddy Center, our Teen Care ABA program supports adolescents as they navigate the unique academic, social, and emotional challenges of the teenage years.

ABA Therapy

For Teens

At The Buddy Center, our Teen Care ABA program supports adolescents as they navigate the unique academic, social, and emotional challenges of the teenage years.

Teens with autism, adhd, and other developmental delays benefit from a specialized ABA approach that evolves beyond early childhood skills. Our programs emphasize tools that matter most during adolescence, including communication, problem-solving, emotional regulation, and preparing for adulthood. Every program is designed by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) who understands the needs and sensitivities of teenage learners. We help teens strengthen skills in areas such as:

Teen ABA Services We Specialize In:

Self-advocacy and communication

We help teens learn to express their needs, preferences, and boundaries confidently in everyday situations.

Social awareness and relationships

Teens build skills for understanding social cues, forming friendships, and navigating more complex social dynamics.

Planning, organizing, time management

Teens develop tools for staying organized, managing responsibilities, and completing tasks independently.

Coping skills

We teach practical strategies for managing stress, big emotions, and sensory overwhelm in healthy, effective ways.

Daily living and self-care routines

We support teens in building practical life skills like hygiene, chores, meal prep, and personal organization.

Building independence at home & school

We focus on strengthening the skills teens need to navigate daily life confidently and take on greater responsibilities as they grow.

Social Awareness & Relationships

As teens grow, social expectations become more complex—and ABA can help them navigate these changes with confidence.

Our teen social skills therapy focuses on:

  • Understanding social cues and boundaries

  • Building and maintaining friendships

  • Practicing conversation and listening skills

  • Group interaction and teamwork

  • Digital and online safety behaviors

  • Confidence-building in real social scenarios

Self Advocacy ​

We help teens learn to confidently express their needs, preferences, and boundaries so they can navigate social, academic, and real-world situations with greater independence.

Organization & Time Management

Executive functioning challenges can impact school, home routines, and independence. We help teens build the structure they need to continue to grow into adults.

Focus areas include:

  • Breaking tasks into manageable steps

  • Staying organized with schoolwork, chores, and responsibilities

  • Time management using schedules, timers, and visual supports

  • Planning ahead for assignments, projects, and events

  • Improving follow-through with routines and commitments

Builds Independence

Our goal is to help teens grow into confident, capable young adults who can navigate everyday life with increasing independence.

 

Through community-based learning, we teach skills such as navigating public places, using safe transportation methods like walking or buses, managing personal schedules and responsibilities, making informed decisions with appropriate guidance, and preparing for important future transitions—including work opportunities, college programs, and adulthood services.

Coping Skills

We equip teens with tools to understand their emotions, manage stress, and respond to challenges with flexibility and self-control.
The areas we focus on:

  • Identifying emotions in themselves and others

  • Using coping strategies during overwhelming situations (breathing, breaks, sensory tools)

  • Managing frustration, anxiety, or sensory overload

  • Developing flexible thinking and problem-solving skills

  • Practicing calm communication during stressful moments

Daily Self Care Routines

We teach practical life skills that help teens become more confident and capable in their everyday routines.
Focus areas include:

  • Personal hygiene and grooming habits

  • Nutrition basics and simple meal preparation

  • Household responsibilities (laundry, cleaning, organizing)

  • Money awareness and budgeting skills

  • Using checklists and routines to build independence

Meet Our BCBA's

The Buddy Your Teen Can Count On.

Carmen Amado, MA

BCBA

Carmen has been in the field of ABA since 2021 and absolutely loves servicing clients with the best quality care. Her passion lies in early intervention, school readiness skills and training.

Lacey Shaw, MA

Clinical Director

Lacey began her career in ABA therapy as an RBT and worked her way up to a BCBA and is now our Clinical Director! She advocates and focuses on friends in need of ABA therapy.

Is ABA therapy Right For Your Teenager?

If you think ABA therapy may be a fit for your child, connect with us today.
Our team is ready to learn about your needs and guide you through the process.

We Provide ABA Teen Support In These South Carolina Areas

Don't See Your Area Listed?

Contact us to see if your location is within our Greenville or Upstate boundaries.

March 27, 2026

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