The following excerpt is taken from Chapter Six of Pervasive Developmental Disorders: Finding a Diagnosis and Getting Help by Mitzi Waltz, copyright 1999 by O'Reilly & Associates, Inc. For book orders/information, call (800) 998-9938. Permission is granted to print and distribute this excerpt for noncommercial use as long as the above source is included. The information in this article is meant to educate and should not be used as an alternative for professional medical care.
One of the main
characteristics of autism is a lack of social ability or the understanding of
social cues. Individuals with autism may spend time alone rather than with
others, show little interest in making friends, and be less responsive to
social cues such as eye contact or facial expressions. Social skills
programming may include such diverse techniques as helping an individual with
autism learn to recognize facial expressions and emotions, communicate in
social situations or wait in the line calmly at the grocery store. As with
other autism treatments, social skills programming will vary depending on
individual need. It may be part of a
behavior plan supervised by a behavior specialist or a psychologist. A speech
therapist may be involved if the emphasis is on social communication. For
example, an adult needing to develop appropriate verbal and non-verbal
communication for a job interview will require a different treatment program
and professional than a school-age child learning how to take turns on the
playground.
Carol Gray’s Social Stories (OASIS)
More information on Social Stories can be found under the "Asperger Syndrome" section of this website. Click here to enter that area.
4: May 16, 2002
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