Understanding Autism with social skills

The norms, customs, and abilities that regulate our relationships with other people and the world around us are known as social skills. People learn social skills in much the same way they develop language abilities: naturally and effortlessly. They develop a social “map” of how to act in various settings and with others throughout time.

Learning and developing these abilities can be difficult for persons with autism, causing them to assume what the social “map” should look like.

For those with autism, developing social skills entails:

• With experience in actual settings, direct or explicit instruction and “teachable moments”
• Concentrate on timing and paying attention.
• Encouragement to improve communication and sensory integration
• Learning social habits that predict crucial social outcomes such as friendship and intimacy.

But first get the autism diagnosis this is very important. When you begin to exhibit autism symptoms, it is best to get an autism diagnosis. Autism is characterised by a wide range of symptoms. As a result, an early autism screening will help you know the consequences of the disease.

Consider getting an autism assessment. Autism is difficult to diagnose because there is no medical test for it. A diagnosis is made by a doctor based on the child’s developmental history and behaviour. It can be detected as young as 18 months of age. It is critical to listen to your child while having an autism assessment.

People with autism of all ages can participate in social skills groups to practise their social skills with each other and/or typical peers on a regular basis. Many clubs use social skills programmes that are commercially available. Researchers from the University of Utah and the University of California, Davis MIND Institute reviewed five studies on social skills groups to determine what makes a good social skills group.

Social Skills groups that are effective should:

• Provide consistency and organisation.
• Reduce abstract social notions to actionable steps.
• Simplify language and divide youngsters into groups based on their linguistic proficiency.
• Collaboration and teamwork are encouraged when working in pairs or groups.
• Provide a variety of learning opportunities.
• Encourage self-awareness and confidence.
• Allow for practise so that skills can be applied outside of the group in real-life situations.

Autistic children can learn social skills and improve their performance with practise. These suggestions and tactics can assist you in developing your child’s social skills:

• Praise and practise

You may help your autistic child practise play skills by acting out scenes with toys. You could, for example, embrace a teddy, then feed and put it to bed, hold a tea party with a few teddies, or make up a tale using a play set such as a farm, gas station, or airport.

• Social stories, role-playing, social skills and training
• Visual assistance for video-modelling

One of the questions that parents who have recently discovered that their child has autism will have is, “Where can I find an occupational therapist autism near me?” There are numerous choices, thus the solution is not far away. One can be found on the internet. When you are in the early phases of autism diagnosis, consult with an occupational therapist. Meet with a nearby occupational therapist for assistance and seek professional assistance from an occupational therapist.