Below are common signs of social skill challenges, along with effective strategies that therapists and parents can use to support growth in each area:

• Difficulty making eye contact or interpreting facial expressions
  • Practice eye contact in low-pressure environments using games (e.g., “eye spy”).
  • Use emotion flashcards or mirrors to teach facial expressions and associated feelings.
    
    
• Limited interest in peer relationships or group play
  • Start with parallel play, then gently introduce turn-taking games.
  • Pair the child with a peer buddy or set up structured playdates with clear expectations.
    
    
• Trouble understanding personal space or boundaries
  • Use visual cues like floor markers or hula hoops to demonstrate appropriate space.
  • Role-play different social scenarios that involve standing in line, sitting next to a friend, etc.
    
    
• Challenges in starting or maintaining conversations
  • Teach conversation scripts and practice them during everyday routines.
  • Use visual supports or communication cards to help guide back-and-forth dialogue.
    
    
• Repeating certain phrases without context (echolalia)
  • Model meaningful language and gently redirect repeated phrases into relevant responses.
  • Use videos or stories that show correct conversational use of language.
    
    
• Difficulty recognizing others’ emotions or perspectives
  • Read picture books focused on feelings and discuss how characters might feel.
  • Play games like “Guess the Emotion” using faces or situational images.
    
    
• Rigid routines that make social flexibility difficult
  • Use visual schedules and give advance notice before transitions.
  • Slowly introduce small, planned changes to build tolerance and adaptability.
    
    
• Limited use of gestures or imaginative play
  • Encourage pretend play with puppets, dolls, or dress-up.
  • Narrate your own play actions to model gestures and imagination (e.g., “My car is flying to space!”).