Can Your Autistic Child Learn Social Skills?

Child development and watching your child learn social skills can be very complex and fascinating. Watching your child develop from an infant into an independent, high-functioning adult is one of the most satisfying things on earth. That is precisely why all parents and caregivers want to see their children reach  social and developmental milestones. What happens when your child doesn’t reach these milestones at the appropriate time? 

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Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) might have difficulties reaching social milestones at the same pace as their peers.  Although these important social skills may come naturally to most people, this doesn’t mean that young children with ASD won’t be able to practice and develop them over time. When you realize that your child is exhibiting behaviors that can be associated with ASD, it is imperative that you have them diagnosed by a professional and begin early intervention as soon as possible. 

Why Should a Child Have Social Skills?

There are many benefits to developing social skills. Whether your child is receiving guidance at home, from a speech therapist or psychologist, there is no denying that gaining these critical skills will benefit them in the long term. 

Without proper social skills, your child may have problems gaining and maintaining friendships, working in groups and getting job opportunities as they mature. By helping your child with social skills training, you will help enable them to:

• Gain an understanding of their own emotions and that of others.
• Communicate with others effectively.
• Gain problem-solviing and cooperation skills.
• Practice active listening and comprehension.
• Unlearn bad manners, like not making eye contact or not using phrases like “please” and “thank you.”
• Set and keep boundaries and respect personal space.
• Adapt to different social situations.
• Recognize and use non-verbal cues, facial expressions and body language in social interactions.
• Understand the feelings of others and have empathy.
• Share with others and take turns speaking.
• Ask for help, share their feelings and react appropriately.
• Learn and practice self-control in different scenarios.
• Gain confidence and self-esteem when interacting with others.

These skills are proven to help kids make connections, sustain relationships and relate to others, even into adulthood.  It is vital that individuals communicate effectively, master conflict resolution, pick up on social cues, and give and receive instructions in the workplace. That is why parents must help their children develop these new skills to prepare them for a successful life.

Types of Social Skills That Autistic Children Can Learn.

There are different types of s that are all equally important.  How well your child can develop each of these skills will determine how they will act and react in different situations. 

The five categories of social skills are:

1. Physical social skills.
2. Socially-related social skills.
3. Cognitive social skills.
4. Behavioral social skills.
5. Adaptive/functional social skills.

It is crucial that you are aware of your child’s limits when it comes to the strategies you may choose to help them. Different children will benefit from different interventions. Some things to consider before deciding on an intervention method are the age and capability of your child. Consult with a professional before choosing an intervention to help your child learn social skills.