Social skills for kids with autism can do more than help them socialize with others. It can reduce stress and anxiety, improve confidence and self-esteem, and create a more enjoyable home life for the entire family. Your teen will need to develop different skills as they age, and the sooner they start developing new skills, the easier it will be for them to learn more complex skills in the future. Social skills groups are vital for your teen’s well-being and social development.
At Camp Worth, we work with teen boys and girls aged 11-17 who are frustrated by their lack of social and life skills. Our behavioral therapists will sit with you and your teen son or daughter to discuss their symptoms and goals. This allows them to create a custom treatment plan that addresses all of their needs. To learn more about our social skills groups, call 855.915.2545 today to speak with our knowledgeable staff about developing an effective treatment program for your teen’s development.
What Are Social Skills for Kids?
Social skills are a group of life skills that most children develop as they grow up. Children with autism struggle to learn these skills because they cannot comprehend the different nuances of facial expressions, body language, and other non-verbal communication techniques. This can lead to frustration and bad behavior if they feel not understood or included.
Some of the basic social skills for kids with autism need include:
- Cooperation
- Sharing
- Listening
- Following directions
- Respecting personal space
- Making eye contact
At Camp Worth, we take the time to get to know your teen son or daughter to develop the skills they are missing and improve on their existing social skills. Our social skills activities for kids are geared toward their symptoms and needs for a more focused treatment program.
Social Skills Activities for Kids with Autism
One benefit of enrolling your teen in social skills groups is that they can access the appropriate activities for their abilities. This can include simple activities such as recognizing shapes and colors and reading facial expressions and body language.
Here are some social skills activities for kids that can improve their social and interpersonal skills:
- Emotion/facial recognition games – This activity can help kids understand facial expressions and what emotions they represent. Make colorful signs with different expressions with the word describing the emotion. Having them help create the signs will make them more interested in the activity.
- Staring contests – Children with autism can feel stressed or anxious making eye contact. You can help reduce these feelings by playing staring contests with them. Start with five to ten seconds and work up to see who can stare the longest.
- Social stories – This activity can help prepare your teen for different social situations and changes in their routine. You can use visual aids or roleplaying to go over how to act at birthday parties and family gatherings and how to behave if there is an abrupt change to their schedule.
- Mimicking games — This is an effective way to teach your teen about reading facial expressions, eating utensils, and much more. Plus, it can help bond with your child and create a better home environment.
Join Camp Worth for Our Social Skills Groups for Kids with Autism
What are social skills for kids? Social skills are vital skills that help teens living with autism interact with others more effectively. At Camp Worth, our teens gain the social and functional skills to become more independent and productive in society. We offer a wide range of therapies and programs that will benefit your teen’s development and help create a stronger family unit.
Call 855.915.2545 today or fill out our online form to reach out to our friendly staff about giving your teen the social skills they need to thrive.
