ABSTRACT
Social skills are vital in developing and maintaining relationships, navigating through career and life goals and feeling a positive self-concept. Whereas all social skills are learned, children and adolescents with ASD have significant social skills deficits that can affect their ability to form solid relationships. Chapter 2 highlights social skills, explaining in detail those particular skill deficits that can be found in individuals with ASD. The importance of directive social skills training is vital to help those with autism feel more competent and confident in engaging with others. This chapter also describes the need to assess any potential candidate for social skills training, to see if a group is appropriate for them. In some individuals with autism, more one-on-one teaching with the professional would be beneficial rather than participation in a social skills group.
