Consumer Corner ...Continued from above
Autism Speaks defines social skills as ‘the rules, customs, and abilities that guide our interactions with other people and the world around us. In general, people tend to “pick up” social skills in the same way they learn language skills: naturally and easily. Over time they build a social “map” of how to in act in situations and with others.’People with autism can have a harder time picking up and learning these social cues. The development of social skills for people with autism can involve:
- Direct or explicit instruction and "teachable moments" with practice in realistic settings
- Focus on timing and attention
- Support for enhancing communication and sensory integration
- Learning behaviors that predict important social outcomes like friendship and happiness
- A way to build up cognitive and language skills
As there are a myriad of social encounters in many difficult locations, we can look to the following specialists to be a participant in the development of social skills:
- occupational therapists
- behavioral therapists
- school psychologists
- general education teachers
- health and PE teachers
- many other direct care staff
Many of these skills can be taught within the context of a social skills group. Enquire if you think a group might be the right setting for your child.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Andrew Koster is the owner of Perfect Day Special Needs Store where you can find products that can help ease your child's transition back to school.
You can learn more about Perfect Day’s products on social skills development by clicking here.
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