Social skills

Difficulties with social skills or relating to others can be caused by a variety of different problems. Examples of social skills difficulties include:

Talking too much, or too little
Sharing information in inappropriate ways
Relying on adults to get information
Not understanding facial expressions or body language
Being overly literal and not getting riddles and sarcasm
Withdrawing from conversations with peers
Preferring to talk to adults rather than own peers
Has little interest in social interactions
Goes off-topic or monopolises conversations
Doesn’t adapt language to different situations or people
Doesn’t give background information when speaking to an unfamiliar person
Doesn’t know how to properly greet people, request information or gain attention

Speech pathologists can help with social skills, as they have expertise in social communication, speech and language development, learning and cognitive abilities, and play skills. A speech pathologist can provide diagnostic assessments to determine the nature of your child’s difficulties. They can also use developmental and social interactive interventions in the child’s natural environment. These interventions are supported by the implementation of visual aids and strategies to enhance the child’s communication, social, behavioural, and play skills in all facets of his or her life.

The following practitioners at CPMG can be of service in assessing and managing social skills in children and adolescents: