Socially Speaking: Pragmatic Social Skills Programme for Pupils with Mild to Moderate Learning Disabilities

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Social situations, especially when meeting new people, can be awkward. You may worry about saying the wrong thing, or say nothing at all while you overthink about saying the wrong thing. There might be some awkward laughing and uncomfortable silence. Many children become too distressed to speak when separated from their parents and transfer this anxiety to the adults who try to settle them. As well as these environmental changes, older children may need individual support to overcome their anxiety. Cognitive behavioural therapy Accidents and urinary infections may result from being unable to ask to use the toilet and holding on for hours at a time. School-aged children may avoid eating and drinking throughout the day so they do not need to excuse themselves. For example, “people who are socially awkward may be more observant and analytical, which can be beneficial in certain professions,” explains Dr. Alejandro Alva, a medical doctor and board certified psychiatrist based in California.

Time to talk can be used with children aged between 4-6 who need a helping hand in developing their oral and social interaction skills. The following strategies are particularly useful for autistic students but will also help many other children with various speech, language or communication needs. Balloons and bubbles are high-interest items and can be easily adapted to involve two people. Blow up a balloon and then let it go so that it flies up in the air. Then blow up a balloon part-way and wait for a response before blowing it up to its full capacity. This could enhance interaction. A similar thing can be achieved with bubbles. Blow a few bubbles towards the person. Once their attention has been captured, close the container and wait for a response from them before you blow any more. Let the autistic person decide when to end an activity Reward attempts to understand and communicate. By doing this you can increase the likelihood that they will try and do it again. By using praise and commenting on what has been achieved, the person can make a connection between their own actions and your specific words. Give a reason to communicate This is about understanding how to initiate and end conversation, taking turns, asking and answering questions. It is also about maintaining the topic of and changing it appropriately, giving sufficient information, and being relevant. Social conventionsThis starts by removing pressure on the person to speak. They should then gradually progress from relaxing in their school, nursery or social setting, to saying single words and sentences to one person, before eventually being able to speak freely to all people in all settings. According to psychologist Ty Tashiro’s book “ Awkward: The Science of Why We’re Socially Awkward and Why That’s Awesome,” around 15% of people have social skill challenges and communication difficulties that are considered to make them socially awkward. Provide structured activities for break or lunch time. This can be easier than unstructured socialising. Use everyday opportunities: modern foreign language lessons are a great opportunity to discuss communication and conversational skills. Drama is an opportunity to explore body language and facial expression. English is an opportunity to discuss characters’ motives and feelings. Using different communication styles doesn’t necessarily mean that the communication is less effective, though it often requires communicating with greater thoughtfulness and intention. Learn how to properly use your body languages here: Be Instantly Irresistible With These 10 Body Language Tips 10. Join a Social Skills Support Group

Some children have trouble processing sensory information such as loud noise and jostling from crowds – a condition known as sensory integration dysfunction. Instructions For each item, indicate how much you agree or disagree with the statement. This takes most people about 3 minutes to complete. Take your READ MOREFor example, a child may not do their best in class after seeing other children being asked to read out good work, or they may be afraid to change their routine in case this provokes comments or questions. Many have a general fear of making mistakes. A person with selective mutism may not be able to speak during their assessment, but the clinician should be prepared for this and be willing to find another way to communicate. Sing songs with them, pausing to see if they can sing the next part. You may need to prompt them with a sound cue.

Some books recommendations here: 20 Powerful Books to Win You Friends and Influence More People 8. Practice Good Manners You can increase your social confidence by learning how to better understand social cues and the body language of others. “Practicing with loved ones to learn these skills can be very helpful, especially when needing to be in an upcoming social situation,” suggests Leanza. Today, time to talk is used with a range of pupils who find it difficult to interact socially with others, it will also help a child find their voice and improve their oral language skills. Social awkwardness is when you feel uncomfortable and out of place in social situations. It feels unpleasant, but being socially awkward has some benefits, too.

They may also be more honest and sincere, which can be refreshing in a world of small talk and superficial interactions.” How do I know if I’m socially awkward? The expectation to talk to certain people triggers a freeze response with feelings of anxiety and panic, and talking is impossible.