Social Skills Training

Social  skills are essential for school, work, and relationships.  Many children  and  teens  with  disabilities  feel  an  extra  burden  when  they  try  to  navigate the social world, or they avoid socializing altogether.  Some feel  lonely,  isolated,  or  bullied.

Social skills don't always come naturally for young people with autism and other disabilities. We utilize skill-based assessments to identify skills  needed and create treatment  goals that are unique to each individual. Assessments help guide skill development and provide a basis for comparing performance before, during, and after training. 

We employ  evidence-based  training programs using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA therapy) and social skills training curriculums that are proven effective for persons with autism. Essential  skills  are modeled, practiced, and generalized to make interacting with adults and peers workable and rewarding. We help reduce feelings of social anxiety, teach individual skills, and establish practice in real-life contexts.  Ongoing monitoring helps assure skills are used independently.

When social skills are difficult, young  people  may tend to isolate and avoid interactions. Isolation may reduce feelings of anxiety, but there is a cost. Social interactions with peers and friends are the very opportunities that teach us how to be  a  friend to others.  And avoiding  others  may become  a  habit,  leading  to  isolation  and,  eventually,  to  loneliness.  

Our  training programs  include  a  practice  component  between  sessions.  Parents  are  encouraged  to  provide a  weekly opportunity for  young  people  to  practice  their  new  skills.  All we do is rooted in evidence-based practices known to help persons with Autism make and keep the social connections they value. When helpful, we offer Acceptance and Commitment Training to help reduce symptoms of anxiety associate with social interactions.

Caregivers can help by providing opportunities for young people to socialize, such as hosting a game night or getting young people together with peers to engage in an activity. 

We  provide  support  instructions  to  help  parents  prepare  their  young  people  for  peer  interactions  and  prompt  subtly  during  interactions .  These  supports  help  ensure  young  people  benefit  from  peer  interactions. 

The  parenting  strategy  most  valuable  to  children  and  teens  is  consistent,  frequent  engagement  in  a  group,  such  as  hobbies,  sports,  and  clubs.  Schools  often  offer  a  range  of  clubs  that  may  be  of  interest.  

Teachers  may  assist  young  children  by  facilitating  their  engagement  during lunch and recess. Teens benefit  from  support  to learn  to  identify peers of  interest, introduce themselves, and converse  about topics of interest to  others.