Developing Social Skills and Social Competence in Children with Autism

Tracey Silveira-Zaldivara,Guil Özerk,Kamil Özerk

doi:10.26822/iejee.2021.195

Tracey Silveira-Zaldivara, Guil Özerk + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.26822/iejee.2021.195

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Abstract

Social development is one of the most critical developmental areas for human beings. Deficits in social skills may negatively impact several essential domains including academic achievement, interpersonal relationships, behavior, mental health, and adult life outcome. Individuals with autism present with core deficits in social skills. Without supports and effective interventions to enhance social skills, children with autism often struggle to obtain social competence, and may experience challenges in the school, home, and community settings. With effective interventions, children with autism can learn essential social skills that can help to mitigate deficits and strengthen social competence. After a brief review of various theories of social development, this article seeks to present the constructs of social competence, social skills, and adaptive skills in relatable and clear language for educators. Finally, the article will review several evidence-based interventions designed to enhance social skills.

Highlights

Interest in the role of social interaction for human development has occupied theoreticians in the last century
This article sought to explain the constructs of social competence, social skills, and adaptive skills in a manner accessible and relatable to educators
Appropriate social skills are a prerequisite for social competence

Summary

Introduction

Interest in the role of social interaction for human development has occupied theoreticians in the last century. Orpinas (2010) viewed social competence as a product of cognitive abilities, emotional processing, behavioral skills, social awareness and family and cultural values regarding interpersonal relationships. Gresham and colleagues (2006) asserted, “Social skills represent a set of competencies that (1) facilitate initiating and maintaining positive social relationships, (2) contribute to peer acceptance and friendship development, (3) result in satisfactory school adjustment, and (4) allow individuals to cope with and adapt to the demands of the social environment”

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Findings

Conclusion