In the back of the Michael-Ann Russell Jewish Community Center in North Miami Beach there is a small school, where about 25 children and young adults learn basic life skills -- like how to make a sandwich, make friends and even ride a bike.

These students attend the Victory Center for Autism and Behavioral Challenges, which runs a preschool, secondary school, and after-school program that addresses the spectrum of challenges faced by those with autism.

``The biggest thing here is the social skills,'' said Will Perez, after-school program director. ``We try to teach the kids to play together.''

The school is open to ages 3 to 21, but currently the oldest members are in their teens.

A recent afternoon started with some down time at the gym. The children sit in a circle, talking and playing with Lincoln logs and other games.

The children then move to a round table, and those able to read aloud take turns reading books such as Sesame Street stories to the others.

But it's not all indoors. The children also spend some time outside. Some paint or draw bubble letters on the ground with chalk, play basketball or go around a soccer field riding a bike.

Founded in 2000, the center relies on grants and donations to provide a teacher for every two students -- a ratio that the school says allows for more interaction. A grant from the Children's Trust allowed the center to create the Making Friends After School Care Program two years ago.

``If a child cannot afford to come on our regular tuition, they can still have the type of services and programs we offer,'' said Thalya Olmos, executive director of the center. ``The Children's Trust sees that our goal is to reach out our community as a whole, so that's why they fund us.'' The after school program, which started in August, will run through the end of the school year. There are currently eight children enrolled, and although they all are students at the school, other children are welcome.

The school is not affiliated with the JCC, although it does rent space from the community center.

``What we provide for the kids is for them to develop to their fullest potential,'' Olmos said.

``A comprehensive, individualized and science based treatment for each child.''

The children also learn a few things in the kitchen, bathroom, and other settings found at home -- some of which most people take for granted, Perez said.

They learn how to prepare a simple sandwich, how to open a bag of chips, and how to wash their hands and brush their teeth.

``We try to teach them as many independent skills as possible,'' Perez said.

Exercise is also a must for the children, so they play sports outside, lift small weights, and go on treadmills -- the latter of which is Spencer Shan's favorite part.

The 9-year-old was diagnosed with autism at age 2, and has attended the center on and off since age 3. Richard Shan, Spencer's dad, said that his son's behavior has improved over the years, especially around other children.

``The intense therapy that he receives there, and the social activities they have, we can't duplicate that in any other settings,'' said Shan, who lives in North Miami Beach.

``They take him on a lot of outings, where he has the opportunity to be in real world situations.''

The center takes the children on field trips. They go to offices, parks and beaches to teach the children how to behave in different scenarios.

``We have no problem getting Spencer ready in the morning,'' Shan said.

Although the program is not free, the center offers financial aid based on income and other criteria, like number of children in a household and marital status of the guardian.

``Our main goal is to reach the community overall,'' Olmos said.

``There is no reason for a parent not to be able to take their child to the school based on tuition cost.''

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