Tips to Prepare for Social Interactions

Social Skill Tip #1: Use "Social Scripts" to help your child practice starting conversations!

How:

• Role-play simple, repeatable phrases at home, like: "Hi, my name is [Name]. Can I play too?

• Use their favorite toys or stuffed animals to practice taking turns speaking and listening.

Why:

Practicing these scripts in a safe space builds social confidence and reduces real-world anxiety.

Social Skills Tip #2: Teach the "Body Language Clues" game to help read social cues!

How:

• Practice making different faces and postures (happy, tired, frustrated) and have your child guess the emotion.

• Discuss the clues together: "My arms are crossed and my mouth is frowning, how do you think I feel?"

Social Skills Tip #3: Use the "Conversation Ball" game to practice turn-taking!

How:

• Roll or gently toss a ball back and forth, where holding the ball means it is your turn to speak.

• Model asking a question, passing the ball, and waiting for the other person to answer before tossing it back.

Why:

This physical cue makes the invisible "give-and-take" rhythm of conversation concrete and easy to learn.

Tips provided by: Dr. Suzanne Switzer