"Because they're both semi-structured and unstructured, [afterschool programs] are a good place to teach social skills and transitions," says Eric Robinson, an assistant professor in the educational psychology department at Baylor University and the program director of Baylor's school psychology program. He notes that these results can be measured by looking at the friendships gained and the social skills learned by students with disabilities. Educators can observe behavior changes in a child over time, and survey children in the program about their friends.
