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It can be difficult for parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)1 to know how to help them build social skills. ASD kids often struggle with communication and interaction2, which can make it hard for them to fit in at school or make friends. However, there are things that parents can do to encourage their child’s development and help them overcome these challenges. In this article, we will discuss some of the best ways to help your child with ASD build social skills.
Reinforce Positive Behavior
One of the best ways to help your child with ASD is to reinforce their positive behavior. When they display desired behaviors, such as making eye contact or initiating conversation, be sure to give them praise and encouragement. This will let them know that you are pleased with their progress and will motivate them to continue practicing these skills. When possible, try to provide specific and meaningful feedback so that your child knows exactly what they are doing right. Additionally, consider using positive reinforcement such as rewards or privileges to further encourage desired behavior.
Try ABA Therapy
Applied behavior analysis (ABA)3 is a type of therapy that has been shown to be effective in helping children with ASD develop social skills. ABA focuses on reinforcing desired behaviors and teaching new skills through the use of repetition, reinforcement, and other techniques. Many parents have found that ABA therapy can be helpful in teaching their children how to interact with others, communicate more effectively, and follow rules and expectations. If you think your child might benefit from ABA therapy, talk to your doctor or a licensed mental health professional about getting started. When it comes to ABA therapy for autism, the earlier you start, the better. This is because young children are more likely to be responsive to new interventions and learn new skills more quickly.
Recognize Their Strengths
It is important for parents of ASD kids to recognize their strengths. Every child is unique and has their own set of skills and abilities. Rather than focusing on what your child struggles with, try to accentuate their positive attributes. This will help them build confidence and feel good about themselves. It can also be helpful to find activities or hobbies that play to your child’s strengths.
For example, if they enjoy art or music, sign them up for classes or lessons in these areas. Or, if they are good at sports, encourage them to join a team or participate in recreational leagues. By finding ways to highlight their strengths, you can help your child feel more confident and capable. It’s important to remember that just because your child has ASD, it doesn’t mean they can’t do great things. Be sure to take time to recognize and celebrate your child’s accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem. This will help boost their confidence and self-esteem, which are essential for social success.
Practice Desired Behaviors
One of the best ways to help your child with ASD is to practice desired behaviors. If you want them to work on making eye contact, have daily sessions where you sit down with them and make eye contact yourself. Then, gradually increase the amount of time that you expect them to maintain eye contact.
Similarly, if you are working on teaching your child how to initiate conversation, role-play different scenarios with them. Practice greeting people, starting conversations, and ending conversations. The more you can help them practice desired behaviors, the more likely they are to display these behaviors in real-world situations. Try to make practice sessions fun and engaging so that your child looks forward to them. You can also use rewards or privileges to further motivate desired behavior.
Use Visual Aids
Visual aids can be extremely helpful for children with ASD. Many kids on the spectrum are visual learners, so using pictures, diagrams, or other visuals can be a great way to help them understand new concepts. If you are working on teaching your child how to interact with others, create a social story that outlines expected behavior in different situations. For example, you might have a story about what to do when meeting someone new or what to say when starting a conversation. You can also use picture cards to help your child learn new vocabulary words or practice conversational skills. There are many great resources available online and in print that can help you find or create visual aids.
Choose The Right School
The school your child attends can have a big impact on their social success. When choosing a school, look for one that has experience working with children on the autism spectrum. It’s also important to make sure the school offers supportive services, such as speech and occupational therapy. A good school will also have a positive and inclusive culture where all students feel accepted and valued. If your child is having difficulty socially, talk to their teachers or the school’s special education coordinator about ways to help them succeed. They may be able to offer suggestions or connect you with resources that can be helpful.
Socializing With Other Kids
One of the best ways to help your child build social skills is to provide opportunities for them to socialize with other kids. This can be done in a variety of ways, such as joining a sports team or signing up for classes or extracurricular activities. If your child is not interested in organized activities, you can also try arranging playdates with other families who have children with ASD. These playdates can be informal and low-key, but they provide a great opportunity for kids to interact and practice desired behaviors. You may also want to consider sending your child to camp during the summer. There are many camps specifically designed for children on the autism spectrum that can be very beneficial.
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No matter what approach you take, it’s important to be patient and consistent. It may take some time for your child to develop new social skills, but with your support, they can make great progress. The above tips are just a starting point for helping your child with ASD build social skills. For more specific advice, you can talk to your child’s doctor or therapist, or consult one of the many excellent resources that are available on this topic. With patience and perseverance, you can help your child develop the skills they need to interact successfully with others.
- Grzadzinski, Rebecca, Marisela Huerta, and Catherine Lord. “DSM-5 and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs): an opportunity for identifying ASD subtypes.” Molecular autism 4.1 (2013): 1-6. ↩︎
- Goldbart, Juliet, and Julie Marshall. “” Pushes and Pulls” on the parents of children who use AAC.” Augmentative and alternative communication 20.4 (2004): 194-208. ↩︎
- Foxx, Richard M. “Applied behavior analysis treatment of autism: The state of the art.” Child and adolescent psychiatric clinics of North America 17.4 (2008): 821-834. ↩︎
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