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Social Skills Training for Autism

In the article below, I will discuss social skills training for children with Autism, including why this support may be needed and how to access the service. 

It is important to remember that all individuals diagnosed with autism are just that – individuals. This means that each child’s needs will be different. They will have different strengths and weaknesses, meaning that one size fits all service recommendations will not apply. That being said, refer to your evaluating provider for which services are best for your child. 

If you have general questions or concerns about autism, see  Autism in Children: What you need to know. If you are interested in learning about other treatments for Autism, see Supports and Services for Children with Autism. Wondering what autism looks like as your child ages, see How Symptoms of Autism Can Change with Age. Thinking about how this diagnosis may effect your other children, see Siblings of Children with Autism: What to consider

Services & Supports

Remember, all children with autism are unique and have individual strengths and weaknesses. Below are general examples of services recommended for children with autism, but be sure to refer to your evaluating provider for specific recommendations for your child.

Common Topics Addressed with Social Skills Training
  • Starting a conversation
  • Ending a conversation
  • How to make friends
  • How to order at a restaurant 
  • Turn taking
Where are services provided?

Social skills training can be provided in many different settings – at school, at home, in clinic, in the community – and it is best to practice in various locations/environments to help generalize new skills to the natural environment.

Frequency of Services

Social skills training groups typically have a set structure and start/end date, though this can vary across providers and curriculum used. 

How to Find Social Skills Groups

Social skills training can be provided by a variety of professionals including: occupational therapists, behavioral therapists, and school psychologists. To find a provider in your area, call your insurance company for in-network referrals or visit the Autism Speaks Directory.

Social Skills Training

Social skills training groups are recommended for children that desire to engage socially but may not know how to do so in a successful and appropriate way. Social skills are often taught in a group session which creates an opportunity to practice the skills that are being learned. 

A free therapy consultation in Draper

Hopefully this helps answer some of your questions about social skills training for children with Autism. If you have other questions, feel free to call me at (801)-613-9184 for a free 15-minute phone consultation. I’d be happy to answer additional questions or direct you to the right person. If you are looking for parent training or challenging behavior support for your children, you can read more about how I can help HERE.

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