How to Teach Social Skills and Plan for Peer Social Interactions (Pro-Ed Series on Autism Spectrum Disorders)

The purpose of this booklet is to provide a systematic process for eduators to use to assess children's peer-related social behaviors and to develop individualized, functional social skills intervention programs. First, an overview of social competence and peer-related social behaviors is presented, including a discussion of the importance of social skill development among students with ASD. Next, a functional approach to assessment is described. Finally, evidence-based strategies for developing peer-related social interactions are outlined. The information presented in this booklet is geared for use primarily by teachers and families and is aimed at enhancing the quality and quantity of social interactions of individuals with ASD with their peers across a variety of settings and activities.