Social Language Therapy

In the early years, young children build the foundation for their social skill development through observation, play, and interaction with family and friends.

Social skills are critical building blocks for further cognitive, language and communication skills. Strong social skills enhance a child's ability to interact successfully with peers, respond appropriately in various situations and function more confidently in their environment.

Children who exhibit delays in their social development may:

• appear awkward
• exhibit poor social greeting skills
• and have difficulty making and keeping friends. These children may require additional assistance to "figure out" the rules for social interactions.

Abilities offers social skill therapy programs designed to help children learn the rules for various interactions and "practice" these newly learned skills through role play with peers.

Some activities in therapy include:

• utilizing social greetings
• turn taking during play and conversations
• apologizing
• using manners
• maintaining topics
• understanding figurative language
• accepting consequence