Special Needs Schools Juneau AK

Social skills for typical children come with trial and error on the playgrounds for the variety of unwritten rules in a very social world. For children on the autism spectrum, these skills can be the most abstract and complex concepts for them to learn.

Working with specialists in the area of social skills and social skills groups can be a great way for a child on the spectrum to learn and practice their skills. It is recommended that families look to providers with experience in social skills training specific to autism for their child.

• In-home support with flash cards, games, work books and structured play dates
• At social skills clinics or play groups
• At school with a “lunch buddy” or groups facilitated at school

The remainder of this document attempts to outline ways to incorporate social skills learning in a variety of environments.

Finding Friends In School

Getting Started

Many children on the spectrum seem to get “stuck” in repetitive selection of a few classroom play items and become far more interested in playing solo rather than with peers or making conversation with other classmates. These are often activities that the children feel comfortable with and prefer out of habit.

Every effort should be made to facilitate peer social inclusion including the following “friendship ideas.” These can be facilitated in a number of ways. The most important item to consider are trained aides and supervisors in the area of social skills for children on the spectrum.

First, implementing some “play rules” that are communicated regularly to the child, make peer requirements easier to implement in the classroom.

1. School is for playing with friends -- he is not allowed to play alone at school. He must always find a friend to play with.

2. It is the child’s responsibility to go ask friends to play (prompted or otherwise).

3. They must ask friends to play a range of different activities each day.

4. They must play in a wide-range of activities each day (an idea or the friend’s idea)

5. They must sustain play with friends, not with materials and he cannot be the first to leave the activity.

Understand What Is Going On In the Classroom

1. The first and most important step is to obtain an ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis) trained therapist. This person should have experience with your ASD child prior to going to school so they understand their strengths, weaknesses, and how the child operates.

2. Observe the classroom. Volunteer to help in the classroom and observe behaviors of the children and routines so you can prepare your child.

Related reading on this topic for preparing your child .

Before You Go To School – Ways To Prepare

Children on the spectrum need time to prepare for the social process. Here are some ideas for helping your child make those first social steps:

1. Create a “My School Wall”

Laminate a colored poster board from the Dollar store and put it up in the kitche...