1 Pasadena Child Development Associates Social Skills Group Training using a Developmental Approach Evidence Based Practice

The need for social skills training The development of social skills, specifically skills in relating to peers, is an important capacity that provides the foundations for life long success. 6, 18 Challenges in the development of social skills impact individual happiness and family function for many children with developmental disabilities, especially those with autism. Indeed, deficits in social behaviors are a major component of the diagnostic criteria for autism. In a survey done at Tri-counties Regional center, parents of children with autism reported that social skills were their number one concern.23 A study of children with ASD in elementary school showed that children with autism were less accepted and had fewer reciprocal friendships than matched peers at each grade level, and that the deficits increased with advancing age.19 A detailed review of the theoretical understanding and approaches to social skills intervention is available in the report of The Committee on Educational Interventions for Children with Autism by the National Research Council (NRC). They note: “Interaction with peers is another dimension of children’s social development that becomes increasingly important for children beginning at the age of 3. ” 17 (pg 73