Some children and teens with executive functioning challenges also suffer from a handicap that isolates them from others. Boys and girls with social cognition weaknesses seem immature and seem to lack good judgment at times. They may be less sensitive to the needs of others. As a result, they are rejected by their peers, and their social relationships seem “out of synch.”
Numerous children can have social challenges and only a few of them have Autism Spectrum Disorder. Many of them struggle with severe impulsivity and therefore have poor “filters” for what they say and do. Children and teens can be helped through patience, understanding, and structured teaching in the strategies for real-life social interactions.
In this series of social strategy articles, Dr. Davenport suggests ways parents and teachers can better understand and help children improve their skills in five different social areas.
(1) Understanding and Using Social Language
No matter where you go, social language is a language all its own. These articles are designed to help struggling children and teens better understand and use the skills needed to stay connected to others.
Voice Volume
Voice Inflection
Saying the Right Thing at the Right Time to the Right Person
Body Language
Expressions and clichés
(2) Starting Up Relationships
It all starts with making friends: these articles outline ways to help your child or teen.
Making Friends
What does it take to be a friend?
(3) Keeping Up Relationships
Keeping friends takes a lot of skill and work! These suggestions can help your child or teen keep up her relationships.
Maintaining Friendships
Self Disclosure
Active Listening
Asking Questions
(4) Manners Matter
Manners matter in the classroom, on the playground, at parties, and in all aspects of life. Try these suggestions to help your child or teen.
Parties and Other Social Situations
Talking too much or too little
Manners in the Classroom
(5) Understanding and Addressing the Effects of Mood and Behavior
A student’s mood and behavior set the tone of her social interactions. Try these strategies to help your child or teen better understand and address these challenges.
Dealing with Disagreements
Tempers and Stress
Impulsiveness and Perseveration
Impulsivity
Need help applying these concepts?
Contact us to make an appointment.
(c) 1995-2020, Monte W. Davenport, Ph.D.
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