How Can Children With Autism Learn Social Skills From Their Peers? Teaching Vs. Mentoring

Course overview

This course takes the empirical research on ASD peer-mediated interventions and provides practical, common-sense strategies for speech-language pathologists to help children with autism learn how to increase their social abilities with friends. Dr. Patrick J. Rydell uses the Learning Style Profile (LSP) to provide a simple approach that assists children with autism to: Establish a primary focus on people vs objects. Develop a social priority. Look up and around at the social cues and information available and to "read the room". Establish a comfort zone with learning from peers and friends. Learn from peers and friends as primary sources of information. These strategies also help children with autism to see a peer(s) as a trusted mentor and "wingman" as confidence builds to participate in unplanned social activities with friends. Five goals are offered to guide this process.