Social skills classes/methods?

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Social skills classes/methods?
4
Thu, 12-22-2005 - 2:53pm

Yet another question from the new gal.....I had a chat with DS's guidance counselor the other day about some of the possible resources DS is going to need. We talked briefly about social skills classes.....she mentioned (kind of under the table) that they really are not having too good of luck with the current method of teaching social skills....she said she is looking into other methods. I asked if they tried adding some NT kids to the mix and she said yes, they do that. I am not sure which particular method they are following.....she did mention that she is looking into the TEACH method but that is not what they are currently following. Does anyone have any suggestions about following a certain program or method for successful social skills?

TIA,
Christie

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Thu, 12-22-2005 - 3:22pm

We (with then 5 year old) did a workshop this summer at our OT in which a group of 4 or 5 boys approximately the same age did "The Alert Program" (or I think sometimes called "Take 5" or "How Does your Engine Run?") it was a really great class to take, and since it was in a small group, the OT worked on social skills or basically the EFFECTS on social skills that having a body engine that is running too slow or too fast has on ourselves and others. I think it's especially good for spectrum kids because they can have a real hard time with "self awareness." By giving them tools to define how they are feeling and then how that might effect others, it works quite well for social interactions without specifically being social training.

Our oldest did something different - "lunch bunch." We haven't quite found that to have beEn as effective. He always thought of the social discussions being held there as kind of "separate" from himself. I like the Alert Program because it has given our youngest the ability to recognize his behavior and then put himself in "safe places" when needed (like during gym class - yikes!) instead of running around like a maniac and scaring the other kids.

I wonder if your school has an OT and if they know of the program?

Jackie

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-24-2004
Thu, 12-22-2005 - 5:30pm

Christie,

Nathan's school just started a social skills class. I don't know what method or approach they are using though. And since it just started, I don't even know what kind of success or improvement we'll see. Sorry I couldn't be more help!

michelle

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Thu, 12-22-2005 - 9:15pm

Thank you for the input - I'll run all of those programs past her and see what she has to say - if they have been tried or not....worth a shot.

The school system does have an OT....not sure which current program/method is being used. The guidance counselor said that the kids do well with the lessons but they are not applying them outside of the classroom....which is the main point of the whole concept.

Thanks again,
Christie

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Thu, 12-22-2005 - 9:21pm

Thank you - I appreciate you taking the time to post. I hope he likes his new class.

(SMILE)
Christie