Social Skills Groups
Many parents are concerned about the lack of socializing opportunities for their children after school. Parents have become frustrated with the lengthy amounts of time their child will continually play video games, spend time on the computer, or watch television. Many children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders would like to have opportunities to socialize, but they need to build their social skills or be in a more supportive environment in which they feel comfortable enough to communicate with peers. I offer a social skills group after school hours so that students with Autistic Spectrum Disorders have more interpersonal opportunities through relating to their peers.
In social skills groups for children on the autistic spectrum, the key component is role plays. To be able to
practice examples of “real life” situations allows children to simulate different social situations and create relationships with other peers of the group. Social skills groups provide an opportunity for children on the autistic spectrum to practice and improve their social skills in a safe and supportive environment. Groups are structured so that objectives are being accomplished and that students are progressing in their social skills. The goal is to provide children on the autism spectrum with the ability to converse, share, play and work with peers in both academic and nonacademic environments.
With feedback, children have the opportunity to practice skills related to appropriate voice tone and body
language. Scenarios are scripted and practice interactions are improved upon. The feedback is an integral part of group because children can learn to avoid potentially awkward situations that cause additional problematic situations. A child on the autism spectrum can unintentionally hurt feelings of others, ask inappropriate questions, or open themselves up to hostility, teasing, bullying and isolation. Social skills groups build positive social interaction skills. These skills range from basic skills such as making eye contact, to more complex skills such as making plans with friends. Conversational skills are practiced using a selection of relevant topics, and feedback is provided of the role played interaction.
In social skills groups for children on the autistic spectrum, the key component is role plays. To be able to
practice examples of “real life” situations allows children to simulate different social situations and create relationships with other peers of the group. Social skills groups provide an opportunity for children on the autistic spectrum to practice and improve their social skills in a safe and supportive environment. Groups are structured so that objectives are being accomplished and that students are progressing in their social skills. The goal is to provide children on the autism spectrum with the ability to converse, share, play and work with peers in both academic and nonacademic environments.
With feedback, children have the opportunity to practice skills related to appropriate voice tone and body
language. Scenarios are scripted and practice interactions are improved upon. The feedback is an integral part of group because children can learn to avoid potentially awkward situations that cause additional problematic situations. A child on the autism spectrum can unintentionally hurt feelings of others, ask inappropriate questions, or open themselves up to hostility, teasing, bullying and isolation. Social skills groups build positive social interaction skills. These skills range from basic skills such as making eye contact, to more complex skills such as making plans with friends. Conversational skills are practiced using a selection of relevant topics, and feedback is provided of the role played interaction.