Helping a Child with ASD Practice Social Skills

A board-certified pediatrician, Dr. Rami Azzouz completed a fellowship in neonatal-perinatal medicine at Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital in St. Louis. Practicing with Bright Pediatrics since 2010, Dr. Rami Azzouz has broad experience with behavioral conditions such as attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Many children with ASD have difficulty navigating social situations. To teach basic social skills, parents should first tell the child clearly what needs to happen. For example, they might explain that, after they talk, they need to wait and allow the other person to speak. Then parents can demonstrate to the child how this is done, perhaps by demonstrating or showing a picture, and offer the child the opportunity to practice. Offering positive feedback can help the child gain confidence in the new skill.

Some children with ASD benefit from formal social skills group training. In this setting, a skilled caregiver might use games, pictures, or drawings to teach basic skills such as making eye contact, taking turns, or listening. For more resources on ASD and other childhood behavioral concerns, visit bright-pediatrics.com.