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Children with social skills dysfunction have difficulty understanding and using the rules of social communication. They have a hard time understanding verbal and non-verbal cues. They also have a hard time responding to social cues. Social skills dysfunction is often present in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Children with these disorders usually have a hard time connecting with others. Some children withdraw from social situations. Some children with social skill issues may desire social interaction, but don't know how to interact appropriately.
Symptoms:
- Difficulty making and keeping friends
- Poor use of nonverbal language, such as eye contact and body language, difficulty reading nonverbal cues in others
- Difficulty starting and ending conversations, choosing appropriate topics, staying on topic
- Expressing emotions inappropriately, difficulty regulating behavior
- Difficulty understanding others point of view
- Poor problem solving skills
Evaluation:
Speech language pathologists may evaluate play skills, receptive/expressive language skills, problem-solving skills, and pragmatic language skills. Informal evaluations can reveal information about nonverbal and verbal communication skills.
Treatment:
Direct instruction to teach the rules of social interaction, role playing and modeling to practice skills, group activities for carryover.
Doctors that treat Social Skills Dysfunction:
- Primary Care physician
- Mental Health providers
- Pediatrician
- Speech Therapist
- Occupational Therapist
Related Conditions: Autism, Aspergers Syndrome, Angelman’s and ADHD