Developing social skills in children – why is it important?

Social skills are fundamental to everyone’s functioning in society. Children with autism often struggle with challenges in communicating and behaving in various situations. Developing these skills from an early age is crucial for their future lives. Social skills include a range of abilities such as empathy, verbal and non-verbal communication, group cooperation and conflict resolution.

The formation of a young child’s social skills is of great importance for his later functioning in adult life. Examples of social skills include the ability to establish and maintain relationships, deal with emotions, and adapt to different social situations. Forming pro-social skills in children with educational difficulties can be a challenge, but is extremely important for their proper development.

Why is social skills training important?

Social Skills Training is a learning process that helps children and adults develop and improve their social skills. This is especially important for autistic people, who may have difficulty communicating and functioning in groups. Social skills training is an effective tool that enables them to learn appropriate behavior in various situations.

This training is enjoyable and engaging, and is often done in the form of play, which makes children eager to participate. Examples of behavioral competencies that can be developed through social skills training include making eye contact, initiating conversations, and understanding and responding to other people’s emotions. Through training, children learn how to function effectively in society, which is of great value for their future lives.

How to support the development of social skills

Fostering the development of social skills requires commitment from both parents, teachers and therapists. Creating an environment in which the child feels safe and accepted is crucial. It is also important to regularly practice social skills in everyday situations.

Parents can develop their child’s social skills through cooperative play that teaches cooperation and communication. It is also a good idea to organize meetings with peers so that the child can practice his social skills in natural settings. In kindergartens and schools, teachers can introduce a variety of exercises and games that support the development of social skills. It is also worth taking advice from specialists who can help develop effective strategies for developing social skills.

Stages of social skills development

The development of social skills takes place in stages and depends on the age and individual abilities of the child. It is useful to know these stages so that you can adequately support your child’s development.

1. Early childhood (0-3 years): During this period, the child learns basic skills such as making eye contact, smiling and responding to his parents’ voice. Play plays a key role in developing these skills.
2. Kindergarten (3-6 years old): Children are beginning to make their first friendships and are learning to cooperate and share. It is important to support them in dealing with emotional problems and conflicts that may arise at this age.
3. Elementary school (ages 6-12): At this age, children develop more advanced social skills, such as negotiation, assertiveness and empathy. Group exercises and school projects are excellent opportunities to practice these skills.
4. Adolescence (ages 12-18): Adolescents develop the ability to have deeper interpersonal relationships and understand other people’s perspectives. Peer and adult support is key to forming healthy relationships.

Forming social skills at home

Home is the first place where children learn social skills. Parents play a key role in developing their children’s social skills. Here are some ways to effectively support the development of social skills at home:

1. Modeling behavior: Children learn by imitation. Demonstrate how to communicate with others, how to resolve conflicts and how to show empathy.
2. Conversations about feelings: Help your child name and understand his emotions and the feelings of others. This will help him learn how to respond appropriately in different situations.
3. Practice communication skills: Encourage your child to express his or her thoughts and feelings. This can be done through talking together, playing games, and reading books.
4. Organizing meetings with peers: Regular contact with other children is essential for developing social skills. Organize games and get-togethers that will allow your child to practice these skills.
5. Group play: Team games and joint projects are excellent ways to teach cooperation and communication. Include your child in a variety of activities that require interaction with others.

The formation of social skills is an ongoing process that requires patience and commitment. However, it is worth remembering that the development of these skills has great benefits for the child’s future functioning in society. With the right support, children with autism can make significant progress in social skills, allowing them to live a fuller and more fulfilling life.

Our innovative platform, The Cognity, offers support for social skills training for children and adults. The app includes interactive exercises for facial emotion expression, reactions to various situations, and more. All of this is made possible by artificial intelligence (AI), which supports some of the exercises on the platform. It allows psychologists and therapists to track student progress, assign homework, and reduce the time parents need to spend on these activities with their children at home.