Social Skills

Enhancing Social Skills and Play Development

  • Review of social characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorders
  • Identification and description of the unique emotional and social challenges to persons with Autism Spectrum Disorders
  • Review of basic strategies and curriculum materials that address social and emotional deficits
  • Review of case examples for opportunities to enhance social and emotional skills
  • Brainstorming ideas and questions.

Strategies to Promote Socialization in Children with ASD

  • Examination of the social characteristics of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
  • Discussion of strategies to promote socialization and engagement
  • Review of specific techniques such as social stories, scripting, and relaxation strategies
  • Sharing of sample materials designed to enhance functioning
  • Opportunity for participants to write social story collaboratively.

Dynamic Intelligence – PART I: Development of Dynamic Intelligence

  • The components of dynamic intelligence
  • How dynamic intelligence develops in typical children
  • Why children with ASD exhibit severe deficits in dynamic intelligence
  • The importance of addressing weaknesses, as well as a child’s strengths
  • Addressing deficits in dynamic intelligence makes a difference by:
    • Improving in relationships and social communication skills
    • Increasing self regulation, body awareness and sensory functioning
    • Improves social and environmental awareness
    • Increases intrinsic motivation to learn
    • Improves flexibility and creative thinking skills
    • Results in fewer challenging behaviors
  • Simple strategies that can promote development of dynamic intelligence

Dynamic Intelligence -PART 2: Strategies for Promoting Development of Dynamic Intelligence

(This workshop is only available as a sequel to “Dynamic Intelligence – Part 1”)

  • This workshop makes use of videos, demonstrations and hands-on activities to help participants understand the techniques presented.
  • Strategies will include:
    • Using more experience sharing language, and less instrumental language
    • Slowing down the pace – allowing space to think
    • Using less language/using more language – striking a balance
    • Creating opportunities for co-regulation:
      • Repetitive patterns
      • Role assignments
      • Framing:
        • Creating opportunities for problem solving and flexible thinking
        • Creating opportunities for development of episodic memory

Developmental Methods for Treating Autism

  • Definition of a “developmental” method
  • How developmental methods differ from other methods of treating ASD
  • An overview of the most commonly used developmental approaches
  • Practical developmental strategies for use in home and in school – to foster social communication and dynamic thinking skills.