The Importance of Social Skills Training

As with all interventions aimed at improving long-term outcomes, therapeutic support for social development should begin in the early years of life. Social skills training is a vital component of education for children with Asperger’s and can be expanded to include romantic relationships as the child transitions into adolescence and young adulthood. Although often a long journey, the process is one that can improve social outcomes for the individual with Asperger’s.

The best way to get started in learning these necessary social skills is through therapeutic social skills groups. These are often hosted by a psychologist who specializes in Asperger’s Syndrome, but may also be lead by a therapist or social worker. In these social skills groups, individuals are able to interact with others like themselves and with whom they can practice the group’s curriculum in a safe and supportive environment. The benefits of social skills groups include increased confidence and self-esteem, increased self-awareness and awareness of the behavior of others, behavior management, building positive executive functioning skills beyond social interactions, and - of course - making friends with other group members.

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