Social skills are VERY important!

  Social skills are a part of our everyday life.  Whether it is going to the grocery store or simply saying a friendly hello to a neighbor walking down the street, social skills are very important.  Most of us have been taught social skills by our parents, teachers and friends.  However, there are some children and adults who do not learn acceptable social skills as quickly due to a disability such as autism, ASD and other behavioral disorders.

  If social skills are not properly developed and maintained there can be negative consequences such as behavioral difficulties in the natural environment, lack of friends, poor self-esteem and self-concept and an overall feeling of hopelessness.

  These ever-important social skills can be taught through direct instruction and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) techniques.  Positive behaviors will be immediately reinforced and emphasized through specific strategies.  Modeling, coaching, functional role playing, videos, appropriate games and play and art techniques will all be used to introduce, teach, maintain and generalize specific social skills.  This will occur in a creative and fun manner in a non-threatening and comfortable environment.  

We also have some incredible Social Skill Games can support our
efforts to teach social skills. As on parent put it: "Cooperative game
playing has been to be a great way to build a team out of our growing
family."
South Carolina  Game chart comparing skills (These games are highly recommended for those too far away to attend our groups

  As a certified elementary and special education teacher I am fully aware of the social skills that are necessary for functionality in a mainstreamed or inclusive classroom.  As an autism specialist who has a certificate in ABA I am very familiar with the social skill deficits that children with ASD possess.

Conveniently located for Brevard County, Cocoa, Merritt Island, Rockledge, Titusville, Cocoa Beach, Melbourne and Orlando. Florida Residents

Typical Group:

  The groups will be inclusive, meaning children will not be separated by ability. However, groups will need to be made to separate younger children from older children, as there are differences in the functional social skills that are to be taught.  An ideal social skills group will have no less than four and no more than six to seven children per group.  The small group size is extremely important in ensuring that each child in the group receives the right training to develop and foster social skills. WHO: Children who are welcome to attend groups can be from ages two (newly diagnosed) to eighteen and can be labeled as non-verbal or verbal with autism, ASD or any other behavioral disorder. 

  It is very important that those who sign up for the social skills classes are committed and attend regularly for maximum results (see fee schedule).  At the end of each hour session there will be a quick review for parents and guardians, at this time questions are welcomed.  It is very important to include parents, guardians and siblings in the social skills process to make sure complete maintenance and generalization of the specific skills are reached.

  The specific social skills that are taught will be based on the initial assessments and parents objectives.  However, the first topic will be concerning general play as this is an extremely important skill.  This concept is even more important in the mainstream/inclusive classroom.

For more information please contact Applied Behavioral Consulting, Kristin M. Kosmerl Educational and Behavioral Consultant at abehaviorconsult@aol.com ; http://hometown.aol.com/abehaviorconsult ; or 321-544-0177.