As adults, we have a “toolbox” of skills that we use in various situations. For example, we often listen to audio books or podcasts when driving because it helps us relax which results in traffic not bothering us. When we’re beginning to feel overwhelmed, we often give ourselves five or ten minutes of solitude to breathe and recenter our thoughts. We all have tools that we use throughout a day in different situations.
However, for our children who are struggling to understand social skills intuitively they need a cognitive approach to developing these tools. During our social skills classes, we help our students develop individualized tools for specific behaviors, feelings, or moments of time in their lives. Developing and utilizing new tools takes time. Just like us, practicing the tools is an necessary step. When we are aware of the tools, consistently practice them, we are then able to access a tool when we are in a more challenging situation. It’s one way we work with our students to “get ahead” of a potentially negative behavior.
Below is an example of tools that our students developed while working in our social skills group. Each tool is individual towards a specific behavior or social goal that was decided on by each student.
Our next session of social skills groups begins on Sunday, October 8th. You can find specific details here Registration for Social Skills Classes October 8th-November 12th and we always welcome e-mails or phone calls with questions.
With Appreciation,
Christina and Wendy
Confident Solutions, LLC 