How do I teach my autistic child appropriate social skills?

Question

Autistic students can find social interactions difficult and many times avoid them. This is not to say that they do not want to have social relationships with others; many students do and find friendships rewarding. They simply may not know how to ask wh-questions of another person or carry on even a short conversation with a peer.

Answer 1

It is important to understand that each child is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to teaching social skills to an autistic child. It requires patience, consistency, and consideration of the child's preferences. It is crucial to know the child's likes, dislikes, interests, and what they would like. To help a child remember social expectations, I have found visual schedules, social stories, timers, and cue cards helpful. I will also be using the step-by-step method "Tell, Show, Do": 1. Tell the child what to do, 2. Show the child how to do it, and 3. Assist the child in doing it. It is important to reinforce positive behavior when the child complies with edible or non-edible items.

Answer 2

Some of the best ways to practice social skills is by modeling with gradual release of responsibility. This means that first I model with another adult. Then we try again and ask the students questions on what we should say or do for the context. Later, I model with another student and continue to ask questions about what to do or say next. Another student or the same student can try with me as the partner without support from the class. Next, two students will model for the class. Lastly, students will practice with a partner.

I might even make mistakes and ask students to catch it or share what to do differently. This needs to be done everyday to achieve mastery. Some supports include image cue cards or written cue cards. Practicing multiple contexts both in the classroom and the actual setting is extremely important.

Answer 3

Students with Autism can enjoy and benefit from friendships with peers and other types of social interactions just as much as general education students. I have written many student-specific social stories that are read with students daily about specific social skills topics, such as 'it's ok when someone says no', 'I can have more than one friend', and 'it everyone doing that?' Reading social stories together and talking about them can prepare a student for social stiutations or help them learn how to behave in situations that are tough for them. Social scripts are also great practice, allowing students to practice short conversations with others.