Social Skills & Interactions for Children with Special Needs

I am going to visit my non-verbal, six year old grandson. I only see him once a year in his “space” but he knows me from Skype. I always try to approach him gently until he acknowledges me. What are some tips on making this process easier for him? I only have one week with him and want to love him to pieces while I’m there.

I have a student in my class who becomes upset over the smallest problem at recess. He’ll cry or throw things when something doesn’t go his way on the playground. The other kids have obviously noticed this and are starting to stay away from him. How do I help him understand that what he says and does directly affects his relationship with others?

My two year old throws everything on the floor and lately picks up a toy, an object, whatever, and throws it at me. How can I help him correct his behavior?

I have a student in my regular elementary education classroom.  His IEP says he needs to increase social interaction with peers.  Most of the day is spent on academics and it is difficult to create times for interactions.  Any suggestions?

My child has a very difficult time going to family-style restaurants. In particular, he has difficulty sitting and waiting quietly, eating neatly, and interacting with the waiter or waitress. How can I help my child learn to be more appropriate in this setting?

Sometimes I feel like the students in my Life Skills class are rather isolated from the rest of the school, even though they have lunch and specials with their peers. What can I do to increase opportunities for interactions and help my students feel more a part of their school?

I have a new child in my preschool classroom that has a disability. I tell the children to play with him, but they ignore him. He does not know how to play very well and is hard to understand when he talks. How can I motivate the other children to play with him?

I have a student with Asperger Syndrome in my regular education classroom. So many workshops indicate we should be teaching social skills in the environment. There is so little time during the day. What is a quick and doable way to provide social skills instruction in the crunched time we have?

My son will not sit when we go to church. He continually tries to crawl under the pew, turns around, and slides up and down the pew. What can we do to make going to church easier…and less distracting for our family and those around us?

So many times I have to deal with calling out behavior or tears because I did not call on a particular student. How can I decrease this behavior? I can’t call on everyone all the time.