Social Skills & Interactions for Children with Special Needs

Changing a Behavior that Offends Peers: Replacement Behaviors and Peer Education
Situation: 

My son is 9, has autism, and he is constantly sticking his tongue in his nose out of habit. The kids at school are making fun of him and it grosses other students and people out. Can you suggest a way to stop it?

I See My Turn
Situation: 

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.

Dealing with Grief
Situation: 

I am a long-term sub right now in a special education class. The teacher I have been covering for is out due to a serious illness. I am attempting to put together a presentation/information about anticipatory grief to help ease the anxiety the situation has created for the students. 3 students in the class have autism and I thought there might be a social story or other resources on your site to help with this issue. Can you share any resources on helping children cope with grief?

Interrupt and Redirect: For Toddler Throwing
Situation: 

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?

Using and Creating Routines to Promote Interactions
Situation: 

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?

Behavior Story: Restaurant
Situation: 

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?

Superstars
Situation: 

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?

Classroom Quick & Easy Social Skills Instruction
Situation: 

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?

Seat Sheet and Collector Cards: Church
Situation: 

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?

Attendance Board
Situation: 

How can I help students learn their classmate’s names and faces?