Level Up!
Social Skills Group for Tweens
Welcome to Chimera Academy, the magical boarding school that youʻre about to stay in for the next 6 months of your life. Whether you are a complete magic newbie or if you have been prepping to attend your entire life, you have managed to end up in the infamous Classroom G. However, it isnʻt like what all of the rumors said. Instead of spending your days studying wizardʻs tomes or practicing warrior marching drills you find yourself running from monsters in abandoned dwarven mines, slaying an army of evil rubber duckies from experiments gone wrong, and building a city from the ground up just to get your diploma. Do you think you can pass this fantasy class? With the help of your friends (and with a little bit of luck magic) anything is possible!
Chimera Academy is an 8-week social skills therapy group for teens and tweens ages 11–14 that combines collaborative tabletop roleplaying with evidence-based social skills coaching. Using a family-friendly tabletop roleplaying game inspired by Dungeons & Dragons, participants work together to complete epic quests, solve mysteries, and overcome challenges while practicing communication, teamwork, problem-solving, self-advocacy, and flexible thinking.
Players will be encouraged to think through real life social scenarios through a fantasy lens and come up with solutions that can then be implemented outside of the game. While most of the game focuses on the aforementioned qualities other frequently discussed topics include:
- How to work as a team and compromise to reach shared goals.
- Identifying and appreciating cultures around the world.
- How to deal with social conflict with peers (in game and “above table”).
- Navigating peer pressure.
- Young adult skills such as budgeting, how systems of government work, time management, and professional communication.
- Diverse identities and lifestyles.
- Confidence and self-advocacy.
- Building a welcoming community.
In addition to the discussion of those topics (in and out of game), every week kids will also practice basic math and writing skills through “Class Memos” and gameplay. Chimera Academy is a great way for kids to socialize and learn alongside peers without electronic devices or the stress of a traditional classroom environment. More importantly, Chimera Academy is a fun way to make friends and play through seriously epic adventures!
The group is co-facilitated by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and an experienced Game Master, with individualized support during sessions and brief individual check-ins between sessions to reinforce skills and monitor progress toward each participant’s goals. No tabletop gaming experience is needed—all materials are provided.
Examples of Therapy Goals:
- Starting and joining conversations.
- Building and maintaining friendships.
- Working as a team toward shared goals.
- Perspective-taking and expressing empathy.
- Flexible thinking and problem-solving.
- Navigating disagreements and conflict respectfully.
- Self-advocacy and asking for help.
- Managing frustration and emotional regulation.
- Decision-making and leadership.
- Confidence in social situations.
Program Details
- Ages: 11-14 years
- Length: 8 weeks
- Schedule: Wednesdays, 4:00-7:00 PM
- Dates: September 9 – October 28, 2026
- Group Size: Small group
- Format: In person, Honolulu
✨ 8 sessions, 3 hrs each
✨ $75/session
✨ Many are able to receive reimbursement through out-of-network insurance benefits
How is Level Up Different?
Level Up is designed to make social learning feel meaningful, engaging, and authentic. Rather than relying on drills or scripted interactions, participants build skills naturally through collaborative games, shared problem-solving, and real-time social experiences with peers.
Our groups are guided by the AIM (Accept, Identify, Move) model, a contemporary, evidence-based approach within Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). AIM integrates principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), emphasizing psychological flexibility, self-awareness, and values-based action while teaching meaningful social and life skills in a compassionate, neurodiversity-affirming way. Social goals are individualized for each participant, and our facilitators provide in-the-moment coaching, individualized support, and brief check-ins between sessions to help participants apply skills beyond the game.
Most importantly, Level Up is designed to be fun. When participants are engaged, motivated, and genuinely enjoying themselves, social learning happens naturally—and the friendships and confidence they build are more likely to carry over into everyday life.
Who Is This Group For?
Level Up: Chimera Academy is designed to support youth with autism, ADHD, anxiety, and other neurodevelopmental differences who benefit from explicit social coaching in a fun, engaging environment. The fantasy setting provides a low-pressure way to practice communication, emotional regulation, flexible thinking, problem-solving, and friendship skills while building confidence alongside peers who share similar experiences. Activities are individualized to meet each child’s unique strengths, support needs, and social goals.
How It Works
Level Up meets weekly at our Honolulu office in a small group of 5–6 participants. Each 3-hour session is co-facilitated by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and an experienced Game Master, with short breaks built in throughout the session.
Before the group begins, each participant develops individualized social goals. Throughout the program, we monitor progress toward these goals while providing in-the-moment coaching and feedback during collaborative gameplay.
Between sessions, participants receive brief individual check-ins to review progress, celebrate successes, troubleshoot challenges, and identify opportunities to practice new skills in everyday life. B
y combining evidence-based social coaching with engaging, collaborative play, Level Up helps participants build confidence, strengthen social skills, and have fun along the way.
Individualized Starting Assessment
Before joining the group, each participant meets with one of our facilitators to:
- Understand strengths and challenges
- Help ensure a good fit for the group
- Identify personal goals
Level Up is a neurodiversity-affirming space—participants are encouraged to be themselves, and support is tailored to each individual’s needs and pace.
Chimera Academy Enrollment
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