What is Social Language?
Social language is the way we communicate verbally and nonverbally with the world around us. These skill are critical as they are the foundation of all human interaction and foster relationship building.
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For most individuals, social language skills come very naturally. For others, they need to be taught and nurtured. Individuals who do not develop effective social language skills often avoid or are uncomfortable with social interactions, fear rejection, and can be bullied or teased by peers. Sometimes the desire to "fit in" can become so great that individuals will make poor decisions that often place them in danger and can have negative consequences for them.
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Some examples of social language are:
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Initiating and maintaining eye contact
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Initiating and engaging appropriate play with peers
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The ability to read facial expressions
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Maintaining and respect appropriate personal space
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Posture and body language
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Reading social cues
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Taking turns in conversation and play
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Maintaining topic of conversation
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The ability to initiate and engage in conversation
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Asking and answering questions appropriately
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Learning to become an active listener
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Using and understanding humor
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Understanding figurative language
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How to recover when social interactions don't go as planned
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How to appropriately respond to peers who may engage in taunting or bullying behavior
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Using and understanding social norms
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Speech pathologists and occupational therapists are highly trained individuals that lead social groups.
What are Social Groups
Social groups connect children who have social communication challenges and provides an opportunity for them to engage. Our sessions take children of similar age and ability level and provides the opportunity to take skills that they've learned in individual treatment and apply it in a natural social setting. This provides the opportunity for the speech pathologists and occupational therapists to offer feedback and guide appropriate social interactions. It also provides the opportunity for children to form meaningful relationships with peers.
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Social groups are a great therapeutic tool that help children to facilitate connection and a sense of community amongst their peers.
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