ABSTRACT
The evidence-based practices (EBPs) that focus on social skill development include behavioral strategies, visual strategies, scripting, social narratives, peer-mediated instruction and intervention, naturalistic interventions, and video modeling. Classroom teachers should work to understand specific areas of concern and implement EBPs to support these needs in the classroom. Social skills are behaviors that allow for effective personal and social interactions. Communication and language can also play a role in developing social skills, since they facilitate peer interactions. Students with autism spectrum disorder often show deficits in these areas resulting in poor social skills. Teachers should consider the importance of effective social skills in the classroom due to their importance when collaborating and interacting with peers and adults. Social skills are complex and deficits can serve as barriers to social, cognitive, and language development. Studies investigating social skill instruction in the classroom indicate positive outcomes including more effective interactions, greater problem-solving skills, and improved cooperation skills.
