I have a confession to make. For years, as the teachers and therapists have been talking about the importance of social skills for my cute little Asperger’s boy, I didn’t understand what they really meant. I thought that social skills meant socializing. Like, chatting with people, being polite, etc. But I had a huge realization this week—that I have been WAY OFF!
I stumbled onto this image on Pinterest (LOVE Pinterest!) and it outlined so clearly what social skills really are. So for any of you who are as confused as I was, I am including it here. Because I think it is a subject that needs discussion.
As I looked at the image above, I learned so much! According to this, there are adults who don’t have all these social skills that they say are essential for kids. I know women who can’t handle criticism, and many adults who refuse to accept consequences. In fact, I would wager that many in the corrections system have yet to get the consequences thing.
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Did you know that another social skill is knowing what to say, and what to filter? They have games to teach kids about that one. Let’s be honest, there are a LOT of people out there with filter issues. (Thank you social media!) But the wonderful thing about being human is that we can change.
Following is a self assessment you can take to ask yourself how you are doing with your own social skills. Because we can all improve.
Thank you to the University of Illinois Extension for providing this document.
This article was previously published on Abby’s page at Patheos.com.
Abby is capable and caring. She is learning more about Autism and parenthood every day. Having completed training to be an RBT (Registered Behavior Technician) for ABA therapy she is beginning to understand her son. And even though she is the first to admit she makes a lot of mistakes, she is so grateful to be on this journey. She comes from a family with many autistic members. She invites us to join her, as she shares her adventures. She wishes to emphasize that Autism is a difference not a defect. If you or a family member have autism, Abby wants you to know that the challenges can be overcome, and there are blessings in autism. You or your loved one are not sick or broken. Together we will teach the world this new language.
