Question:

Dear Dr. Saren,

I have 2 sons with Autism Spectrum Disorder. My 14 yr. old began high school this fall and in mostly in a Special Day Class during his day, with the exception of Adapted Physical Education and his inclusion in an art class. My 12 yr. old began middle school and is fully included with a 1:1 aide.

Both need social skills interventions. The Speech and Language Pathologist (same at both sites) available thru school district is not trained in this area, nor qualified to work with children on the autism spectrum. The District acknowledges this and has okayed outside assessment, program development and training to staff - I, as parent, am responsible for locating said services.

In my research, I've found no standard battery of assessments, nor social skills program approved by "overseers" of speech and language therapy.

Which tests and program, can you suggest, or other appropriate course of action?

Sincerely,

E. Salada

Answer:

Dear Ms. Salada,

I don’t believe that, as a parent, you are responsible for assessment, curriculum development, personnel recruitment and supervision. However, that isn’t what you asked me!

For readers not familiar with this area, children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have social cognition deficits. That is, they lack the ability to understand and react effectively in social situations. Students with other disabilities may also have social skill deficits. The type of deficit seen in students with ASD is their difficulty recognizing, attending to and understanding social cues.

There are no tests of social skills deficits. And, these kids typically do well on the tests of pragmatic skills, but can’t then apply their knowledge in the real world.

There are some decent programs for social skill instruction for AS students:

Baker, J. (2003). Social skills training. Future Horizons, www.FutureHorizons-autism.com

Coucouvanis, J. (2005) Super skills: A social skills group program for children with Asperger Syndrome, high-functioning autism and related challenges. Autism Asperger Publishing Company, www.asperger.net

McAfee, J. (2002). Navigating the social world: A curriculum for individuals with Asperger's Syndrome, high functioning autism and related disorders. TX: Future Horizons, www.FutureHorizons-autism.com

Myles, B.S., Trautman, M.L., Schelvan, R.L., (2004). The hidden curriculum: Practical solutions for understanding rules in social situations. Autism Asperger Publishing Company, www.asperger.net

Winner, M. G. (2000). Inside out: What makes a person with social-cognitive deficits tick? www.socialthinking.com

Winner, M. G. (2002). Thinking about you, thinking about me. www.socialthinking.com

Winner, M. G. (2005) Worksheets! For Teaching Social Thinking and Related Skills: Breaking Down Concepts for Teaching Students with High Functioning Autism, Asperger Syndrome, Pdd-nos, Nonverbal Learning Disability, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Adhd www.socialthinking.com

Winner, M. G. (2005) Think Social! A Social Thinking Curriculum for School-Age Students for Teaching Social Thinking and Related Skills to students with High Functioning Autism, PDD-NOS, Asperger Syndrome, Nonverbal Learning Disability, ADHD www.socialthinking.com

Hope these help, but I’m sure you know that these are not a cure. Social impairments go with the diagnosis and are life long. The problem with any program lies in how difficult it is for people on the spectrum to apply these skills in real life situations.

Good luck and thanks for writing.

Dru