Social Skills Therapy for Children

In our everyday life, we are constantly being subjected to “social rules”. How do we know that we have done something that is considered “socially inappropriate?”

   Was it “what I said?” or “how I said it?”

When interacting with others, we check how our conversation partners are responding to us too.

   Why does he look upset? Was I too harsh?    

Being able to use the right words, at the right time and deliver our message in an appropriate manner is in fact a challenging task! Our social skills determine how well we manage each social interaction.  

Why it matters:

> Social skills affect our ability to build meaningful relationships with others.

> It also impacts how well we regulate our emotions, handle conflicts and successfully collaborate with others.  

Children with social skills difficulties may have the following signs and symptoms:

• Difficulties starting and sustaining conversations
• Not being able to take turns in conversations or during play
• Misinterpreting or not picking up on others’ facial expressions, intonation, intentions
• Having trouble with making friends, joining others in play or initiating an interaction
• Repeatedly talking about the same topic or having abrupt changes in topics of conversation
• Difficulties with physical boundaries (e.g., moving too close to others) and mental boundaries (e.g., asking about personal information)
• Having big emotional reactions to changes, disagreement or losses (e.g., losing a game)