Building Social Skills

Social skills build the foundation for our communication with others and the expression of our needs— they are essential for everyone! Children with autism may require additional support to develop these skills, as they often experience challenges with social cues or forming peer relationships. 

What Are Social Skills?

Social skills are the abilities we use to interact and communicate with others effectively, both verbally and nonverbally. They include everything from eye contact to understanding tone of voice, to taking turns in conversation.

Children with autism often experience delays or differences in developing these skills. However, with the right support system in place, along with

Social Skills Strategies

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!”).

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Wondering About Developmental Milestones?

Have questions about your child’s development, or wondering if a certain diagnosis may be a fit? Try out our developmental screening tool— it’s a fast, free way to get a snapshot of your child’s progress on his or her developmental milestones.

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