Teaching Asperger S Students Social Skills Through Acting

To teach "the fine art of fitting in," Amelia Davies instructs anyone who has a sense of humor and the desire to give their kids "a healthy dose of self-esteem" how to utilize the dramatic arts to build social skills. She provides exercises, practical advice, scripts - just about anything that allows for the creation of a "wild and wacky theater games" group, which passes muster as an educational social skills class as well.

This fun program provides a set of tools for developing social understanding in children with Asperger Syndrome through drama. It contains a wide repertoire of activities and ideas for use at home, in the classroom, in therapy workshops or social groups, ranging from initial warm up techniques, to larger group scenes and staging a show.

This innovative social skills curriculum addresses teens' need to effectively use social skills across settings through motivating scripts, skits, and guided practice. The curriculum is designed for the busy teacher who desires to have fun, constructive lessons, giving students unique opportunities to show their acting skills and experience emotional responses in controlled environments.

The only evidence-based program available for teaching social skills to adolescents with autism spectrum disorders Two nationally known experts in friendship formation and anxiety management address the social challenges faced by adolescents with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The book helps educators instruct youth on conversing with others, displaying appropriate body language, managing anxiety, initiating and participating in get-togethers, and more. The book is filled with helpful information on ASD to aid teachers who have received little training on the topic. Extremely practical, the book includes lesson plans, checklists, and sidebars with helpful advice. Based on UCLA's acclaimed PEERS program, the only evidence-based approach to teaching social skills to adolescents with ASD Contains best practices for working with parents, which is the key to helping kids learn social skills The authors discuss the pros and cons of teaching students with ASD in educational settings like full inclusion (good for academics but bad for social skills) and pull-out special day classes (where the reverse is true) Provides a much-needed book for teachers at all levels for helping students develop the skills they need to be successful.

Provide students the social skills instruction they need to succeed in school and in life! Students on the autism spectrum have so much to offer our schools and communities, but they often aren't provided with sufficient opportunity to develop to their full potential. This practical resource offers down-to-earth methods and strategies backed by evidence for enhancing the social skills of children and adolescents who have Asperger Disorder and other forms of high-functioning autism. Case studies, vignettes, classroom materials, checklists, and templates will help you: • Deliver interventions that model desirable behaviors and provide opportunities for students to practice • Support students in navigating social situations, forming relationships with peers and adults, and following rules and routines • Develop, implement, and evaluate social skills intervention and support programs Educators and specialists will appreciate how this practical and friendly resource approaches each student as a unique learner and offers ways to build multi-faceted social skill intervention and support plans for each one. "Packed with practical, research-based activities, this book is the answer for teachers and parents. Educators will find value in the detailed processes and activities as well as the ready-to-use materials." -Renee Bernhardt, Supervisor of Special Education Cherokee County School District, Canton, GA "This is an up-to-date, practical, and practitioner-friendly resource for developing, implementing, and evaluating social skill intervention and support programs." -Debi Gartland, Professor of Special Education Towson University.

Why start a social skills program? The question is not why, but why not? With inclusive education becoming the norm in schools nationwide, teachers often struggle to address students' non-academic needs--but teachers need ready-to-use lessons that won't interfere with their curriculum. QUEST (Questioning, Understanding, and Exploring Social Skills and Pragmatic Language Together) is a social skills program created to help middle school students with ASD who struggle with pragmatic language and social skills. Developed by a school social worker and speech language pathologist, the program uses an intensive, proactive approach to teaching social skills, combining written instruction with games, activities, and student interaction. Six helpful units--School Survival Basics, Understanding and Managing Emotion, Communication Skills, Making Friends and Interacting with Peers, Personal Safety, Vocational Readiness--can be implemented either chronologically or on their own. Evidence-based research supports the methods used and students have a great time learning-by-doing, through role-play and real-world experience. Parents are kept in the loop with email updates and evaluations. Everyone wins with this program! Best of all, the book includes a CD of printable worksheets, letters, forms, and more! QUEST covers: Greetings, Paying Attention, Daily Hygiene, Asking for Help, Understanding Feelings, Getting Angry/Calming Down, Managing Stress, Starting a Conversation, Making and Keeping Friends, Gossip, Bullying, and Teasing, Resisting Peer Pressure, Dating, Internet and E-mail Safety, and many more!

Forming healthy, solid relationships with their typical peers is a major challenge for most children with autism spectrum disorders. This comprehensive social skills curriculum has the dual purpose of helping educators develop appropriate social skills in children with pervasive developmental disorders while also fostering understanding and tolerance among typical peers and school staff. The curriculum includes built-in booster lessons, so the child receives multiple presentations of the material, thus reinforcing the lesson for better understanding and generalization.

A new developmental program that opens the door to lifelong social & emotional growth.