Social Skills
WHAT ARE SOCIAL SKILLS?
Social skills, also called pragmatic language skills, are what we use to interact and connect with others. This can range from skills such as greeting a friend to taking turns during a conversation. Some social skills may be taught, such as teaching a child to say “thank you.” Other social skills may be learned naturally through experience, such as noticing that the person you’re talking to is not interested in what you’re saying. While there is no right or wrong way to communicate, there are unwritten social rules that many of us tend to follow in order to make our interactions with others more pleasant and enjoyable.
What Can Social Communication Deficits Look Like?
A social communication disorder is characterized by persistent difficulties with social interactions and social understanding or awareness. Deficits with social communication skills may overlap with underlying neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. However, there is no known cause for social communication disorder at this time. In a child who has social communication deficits, you may observe difficulties with the following general social rules:
Knowing how to maintain or change conversational topics appropriately
Repairing communication breakdowns by changing communication style to match the context, setting, or conversation partner
Difficulty with understanding others’ perspectives
Use of nonverbal communication
Picking up on sarcasm or jokes
These are just a few of many examples of social skills that your child may struggle with, and it is important to acknowledge that there is a wide range of social norms that are expected among individuals, families, and cultures.
How Can ETLC Help?
Treatment for social skills may occur in a group setting or one-on-one. Our specialists work with your child to provide direct instruction regarding the social skills that they are struggling with, as well as opportunities to practice these learned skills in a safe and supportive environment. Social skills that may be targeted include emotional regulation, resolving conflicts with others, making friends, and many other skills, depending on your child’s areas of need.
How Do I Get Started?
1. Schedule a consultation
2. Receive an individualized plan
3. Watch your child thrive
Why Choose ETLC?
At Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center, we believe every child deserves to thrive with their social communication skills, and we know you want that too. Having meaningful personal relationships is so important. Our specialists are trained in many research-based programs and strategies to create a plan specific to your child and their unique learning style. Together, we can help your child feel confident and successful!