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

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Medicine should never be prescribed as an alternative to environmental changes and behavioural approaches. Though some health professionals recommend using a combination of medicine and behavioural therapies in adults with selective mutism. For example, they may encourage a child with selective mutism to communicate through their parents, or suggest that older children or adults write down their responses or use a computer. They may watch the child playing or watch a video of them speaking in a comfortable environment. Diagnosis in adults

Positive and negative reinforcement involves responding favourably to all forms of communication and not inadvertently encouraging avoidance and silence. There is a large range of AAC devices. It is essential that a team of appropriate professionals evaluates different AAC options with the person beforemaking a decisionabout what to use. Things to be considered include cognitive and motor abilities, learning style, communication needs and literacy ability. Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognise and identify emotions in oneself and in others, being able to manage them and express them appropriately and requires self-awareness. Differences for autistic students

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The main warning sign is the marked contrast in the child's ability to engage with different people, characterised by a sudden stillness and frozen facial expression when they're expected to talk to someone who's outside their comfort zone. Once engaged in an activity, carry on until the person indicates that they have had enough. Look out for facial grimaces or the person pushing away the activity. If they do not use language to indicate they have finished, accompany their form of communication with words such as "had enough" and "stop”. Find opportunities to interact There are several techniques based on CBT and behavioural therapy that are useful in treating selective mutism. These can be used at the same time by individuals, family members and school or college staff, possibly under the guidance of a speech and language therapist or psychologist. Graded exposure Another misconception is that a child with selective mutism is controlling or manipulative, or has autism. There's no relationship between selective mutism and autism, although a child may have both. Diagnosing selective mutism

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. The partnerstage. The person will be using speech and will be able to carry out a simple conversation. While they may appear confident and capable when using communication in familiar settings (eg at home), they may struggle when they enter an unfamiliar environment (eg a new school). In these places, they may use memorised phrases and appear to be ignoring their communication partner, speaking over them and ignoring the rules of turn-taking. Other visual methods that can be used to increase understanding include picture timetables, line drawings, cue cards and object/picture schedules. Use songs and role play To be a good driver, you need to practise driving. You can read a book about car mechanics. You can study the rules of the road. But nothing is as good for your driving as spending time behind the wheel of a car, actually driving.Reassure your child that non-verbal communication, such as smiling and waving, is fine until they feel better about talking. Many communities offer social skill support groups. Support groups help people who feel shy, awkward, or extremely anxious in social situations learn and practice new skills. However, you can start improving your social skills by following these 12 strategies and soon, you’ll be able to enter into conversations with confidence. 1. Behave Like a Social Person There are many autistic pupils within mainstream schools and specialist units. It’s important for education staff to consider their communication differences and needs.

For some forms of AAC, there is no evidence to show whether they are effective or ineffective, safe or harmful. 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. Follow the person's lead, rather than directing them. They will be more likely to pay attention to the activity, more likely to focus on the same thing as you, and will learn how to make choices for themselves. The early stagesHowever, keep in mind that reading about these skills won’t make you an expert. You’ll need to practice them over and over again. Autistic students may have some differences in social communication. These are likely to be different for each individual but might include: But more severely affected children tend to avoid any form of communication – spoken, written or gestured. The person may eventually become used to you playing or interacting with them and will begin to anticipate your presence, fetching you if you are not there. Imitate

Do not avoid parties or family visits, but consider what environmental changes are necessary to make the situation more comfortable for your child.And that means more English speaking practice, more opportunities to improve your speaking and more of that lovely, warm feeling that happens when you use your English to connect with someone. Today, socially speaking is used with a range of pupils who find it difficult to interact socially with others, it will also help a child gain their independence outside of the school environment.