Autism Therapy: social skills groups

definition of social skills groups: Tool for teaching appropriate social interaction in which children with autism meet regularly as a group with a therapist to learn about specific social situations.

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Effective Methylphenidate Treatment of an Adult Aspergers Syndrome and a Comorbid ADHD: A Clinical Investigation with fMRI
Journal of Attention Disorders, by Roy, M., Dillo W., Bessling S., Emrich HE, and Ohlmeier MD, published in 2009, summarized Nov 9, 2010

Methylphenidate may help adults who are diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Asperger syndrome.

This case study presents an adult patient with ADHD and Aspergers syndrome. The 26-year old man had had problems since childhood with making and keeping social contacts. The authors note that when an adult has both ADHD and Aspergers syndrome the case may be complex and hard to diagnose. This is because both ADHD and Aspergers syndrome may result in poor social skills and lack of attention. In the case of this patient, treatment with methylphenidate improved his ability to function and reduced his ADHD symptoms.


The Effectiveness of Intervention on the Behavior of Individuals with Autism: A Meta-Analysis Using Percentage of Data Points Exceeding the Median of Baseline Phase (PEM)
Behavior Modification, by Ma, H. - H., published in 2009, summarized Oct 21, 2010

Some applied behavior analysis (ABA) approaches are more helpful than others when teaching social skills to people with autism.

The aim of this review article was to compare applied behavior analysis (ABA) techniques to treat autism. The study found five helpful ways to use ABA: priming, self-control, training, positive reinforcement plus punishment, and presenting preferential activities. These interventions were helpful for all ages and both genders. The least helpful use of ABA was in teaching perspective-taking skills. The author found that it worked better to train social skills as a whole instead of training just a single type of social skill.


Parent-Assisted Social Skills Training to Improve Friendships in Teens with Autism Spectrum Disorders
J Autism Dev Disorder, by Laugeson, EA, Frankel F., Mogil C., and Dillon AR, published in 2009, summarized Jul 1, 2010

Parents may be able to help teens with autism learn social skills and deepen friendships.

This study looked at whether parent-assisted social skills intervention could help 33 teens (13-17 years of age) with autism to improve social skills and friendships. The study used the program PEERS (Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills). This study found that parents and teens believed that the teens learned social skills with the PEERS program. Teachers did not report changes in social skills in kids in the program. The authors think that this is because very few teachers turned in the reports on the teens.


“Who’s There?”: Shakespeare and the Dragon of Autism
English Journal, by Renino, C., published in 2009, summarized May 25, 2010

Parents may use their expertise to connect with and stimulate the minds of their children with autism.

In this article a father and English teacher describes how Shakespeare inspired the thoughts of two boys with autism. The author notes that normal and autistic are single points on an autistic spectrum. All of us have moments when we tune out or show poor social skills. He notes that the study of Shakespeare provides a good way for all children to learn that words do not always have simple meanings. The study of Shakespeare also gave the two boys the gift of words and showed them the beauty and joy of words.


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Pennsylvania Identifies Most Common Unmet Need for Children with Autism

Feb 7, 2012

A study of 3,500 adults with autism and caregivers found that social skills training is the most common unmet need for people with autism. The study also found a high unemployment/underemployment rate for adults with autism. The researchers were able to discover what was lacking and what was working in terms of autism intervention in Pennslyvania. David Mandell, associate director, Center for Mental Health Policy and Services Research, explained that the research results show where state resources should be directed. For example, children with autism in rural areas are less likely to receive the same professional therapies as children who live in cities. The study did show that families are waiting less time for their child's diagnosis. However, it appears that difficulties still remain in diagnosing adults with autism. Lindsay Lawer, project director and study co-author stated, "The insight provided by these individuals and families offers valuable awareness of the system successes and failures upon which Pennsylvania and the nation can build."

Read original article: New Report Examines Autism Needs for Patients and Families in Pennsylvania


Imitation as a Form of Autism Therapy

Feb 5, 2012

The Michigan State University Autism Lab has been doing research on imitation as a form of autism therapy. In results recently published, Professor Brooke Ingersoll reported that children with autism who engaged in imitation may show increased communication and social skills. Ingersoll explained that imitation may be done at home with parents getting on their child's level and imitating them. One mom said her son "has responded very well to the imitation. He really enjoys seeing others act like he does. It kind of engages him more and with other people he is more interactive." The Autism Lab is always looking for participants with autism for their studies. They are hoping to perform research on adolescents with autism and imitation.

Read original article: Special Report: Autism Interrupted


Nigerian Woman Determined to Bring Early Intervention to Her Country’s Kids

Jan 25, 2012

Dotun Akande, the founder of Patrick Speech and Languages Center in Lagos, believes that early intervention is the best chance for children with autism in her country. Akande, mom of a child with autism, works to reach out and educate as many families as possible. She explains, “Parents too should know that having a child that has this challenge is not the end of the world. Early intervention is the key; so, all you need do is to help that child come out of that problem.” Patrick Speech offers interventions that include speech and language therapy, behavioral modification therapy, OT, social skills training, vocational training, academics, music therapy, hydrotherapy, and sensory integration.

Read original article: Early Intervention is the Key to Managing Autism Well


All Arts are at the Focus of the Creative Therapies Program

Jan 18, 2012

Creative Therapies is a program for kids with autism and other special needs that provides dance and art therapies. Creative Therapies is a joint venture between Pinckneyville Park Community Center and Spectrum in the Norcross Georgia area. Recreation Leader Kim Gerlach believes that the combination of dance and art will lead to better self-esteem and improve social skills. Dance can help with posture and can calm as well as stimulate youngsters. The art therapy will include clay, drawing and painting, and pottery.

Read original article: New Program Uses Art, Dance as Therapy


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Please comment on this autism topic.

AUTISM = California ABA Behavior Analysis + Special Education is the "3 in 1" Autism Therapies Treatment in California & Singapore

Oct 13, 2011 by Anonymous

St. Andrew Autism Center is the Help and service provider in Singapore for autism therapies in ABA behavior intervention and special education.

Autism is an EPIDEMIC affecting Singapore children. The "3 in 1" Autism Therapies Treatment of " Autism + ABA + Special Education"  is to help children with Autism, ADHD, Attention Deficit Disorder, Asperger Syndrome, Giftedness etc and related disabilities with learning, emotional and developmental needs to develop the communication, academic and social skills necessary so that they can successfully participate in their Singapore MOE schools or pre-schools, and communities. 

SeokLay Lau MA in Special Education, California State University Los Angeles, CalABA member.

Seoklay Lau's Public Profile <http://sg.linkedin.com/pub/seoklay-lau/34/621/5b>


AUTISM = California ABA Behavior Analysis + Special Education

Sep 22, 2011 by Anonymous

AUTISM is an EPIDEMIC affecting Singapore children.

To help Singapore children with Autism, ADHD, Attention Deficit Disorder, Asperger Syndrome, Giftedness etc and related disabilities with learning, emotional and developmental needs to develop the communication, academic and social skills necessary so that they can successfully participate in their MOE schools and pre-schools.

Seoklay Lau MA in Special Education CSULA, CalABA member.

Seoklay's Public Profile <http://sg.linkedin.com/pub/seoklay-lau/34/621/5b>


PDD-NOS Repetitive Behavior

Aug 28, 2011 by Claudia Cella

I'm looking for guidance. In case of a child with PDD-NOS that shows repetitive behaviours - such as playing the very same scene of a movie over and over - is it advisable to make him stop by using a distractor or negotiation or whatever works with him, or is it better to just let him watch the movie the way he likes?

The boy I have in mind is 7. He has been working with a neurologist, a psychopedagogist and a neurologist since he was diagnosed at 2 and has developed good social skills. He attends school, has friends, is a very calm, loving boy. He´s a happy kid. He usually has some repetitive behaviours but there are days that for no reason at all - at least to my knowledge - the intensity of the repetitive behaviours increases. Instead of playing with his brothers like he usually does, he may spend a whole afternoon watching the same 10 seconds of a movie, normally a funny part that makes him laugh.

So, is it ok to let him do that or should I find the way to make him stop?


Re: NEWS - Improv Workshop Helps Kids with Autism with Their Social Skills

Aug 24, 2011 by Anonymous

Thank you so much for mentioning the Shenanigans class that Jstar conducted recently in the Detroit area. To give a little more insight, Jstar owns his own theater and co-produces the Spontaneous Combustion - Motor City improv festival. He was excited to discover an opportunity to also bring Shenanigans to some new faces in Detroit. It sounds like the kiddos had a wonderful time!

My grandson, diagnosed with Asperger's, is the inspiration for Shenanigans, when, several years ago, I struggled to find a way to help his social growth. After much research, I came across improvisational theatre, saw a good fit for the skills I wanted to target, and couldn't find a similar program here in Atlanta or anywhere. So I decided to develop a program and find someone involved in improv theatre who could get excited about my vision and help me move it forward. I found Jstar and brought him on as my charter instructor in 2009, and he has been an enthusiastic champion for Shenanigans ever since. 

Shenanigans is an applied improv theatre program targeting those with special needs, especially Asperger's, high-functioning autism, and related conditions. We use the process of learning improvisational theatre games and exercises to work on social skills by unveiling the mysteries of human interaction. The main tenet of improv, "Say Yes, and..." teaches our students better adapting skills when the unexpected pops up, and flexibility to deal with those changes and move forward. 

With our growing team of instructors, the Shenanigans program has spread throughout the metro Atlanta area. We are now reaching beyond our home city to bring the Shenanigans-style approach to others who are interested. 

I am always eager to talk more about our wonderful program and the benefits our actors receive from their participation.

Sandy Bruce, Founder & Exec Dir, Shenanigans (www.ShenanigansImprov.com - on Facebook: /ShenanigansImprov)


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    • Synonyms for social skills groups include: social skill, social skills, social skills therapy, social skills training, socials skills
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