For some autistic children, social situations can be overwhelming and cause a great amount of anxiety. One of the characteristics of having an autism spectrum disorder is social interaction. Dr. Lorna Wing described social interaction as:
- not paying attention to others
- being aloof, distant and uninterested
- being alone and withdrawal
- difficulty in making and sustaining relationships
- a lack of social skills
Social skills vary from conversation to friendship skills. The following links provides social skills resources on a variety of topics:
5 tips for running a social skills group ages 7-11. This site provides tips on increasing social skills via working in a group.
12 activities to help your child with social skills. This article by the Friendship Circle describes 12 ways to help improve social skills
101 ways to teach children social skills. Written by Lawrence Shapiro, this ready-to-use reproducible activity book (pdf) contains information on communication, being part of a group, caring about yourself, and problem solving.
Building social skills through activities. Danny Pettry created an e-book that focuses on various activities that will increase social skills for children.
Kind words sensory lesson friendship activity. This article includes information on why kind word are important through sensory play.
More tools for teaching social skills in school. Examples of role-plays, worksheets and student behavior.
Social skills activities. Free printable activity sheets on developing and practicing social skills.
Social skills lesson activities. Developed by special educator Angela Cardenos, this website includes various lessons on social skills and friendship
Social skills lessons on friends. A lesson plan and activity on identifying the qualities of a friend and naming behaviors that a friend may exhibit.
Social Skills Worksheets. This site includes printables for social skills designed to develop appropriate social skills.
