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Abilities like listening and understanding what others say come naturally to most people, but some struggle with these essential social communication skills. Eve Spremullo, MS, CCC-SLP, at Honeycomb Speech Services in Warwick, Rhode Island, is an expert in helping people of all ages overcome communication problems. She creates tailored speech-language therapy programs to improve social skills and enhance communication. Call Honeycomb Speech Services for additional information, or book a consultation online today.
What are social skills?
Social skills include listening, answering, adhering to accepted social rules, and understanding another person’s perspective using empathy. These skills allow you to interact with others and master effective communication.
Language skills are critical to learning social skills. If your child experiences delayed language or has a pragmatic language disorder, they could have difficulty with social interactions.
How do pragmatic language disorders affect social skills?
Pragmatic language or social communication disorders affect how people understand or apply the communication rules that help them connect with others. Children or adults with these disorders may struggle socially, but the problem is that they don’t understand how to use reciprocal language appropriately.
They may have an age-appropriate vocabulary and the skills to form sentences but struggle with conversational give-and-take. As a result, they may dominate conversations and interrupt when others are speaking, or in contrast, they may be reluctant to speak at all.
Problems like these can adversely affect an adult or child’s academic performance, meaningful relationships, and confidence.
What signs suggest social skills deficits?
People with social language deficits often don’t comprehend unspoken conversational rules, so they might have trouble:
- Listening
- Starting conversations
- Phrasing questions
- Keeping to a topic
- Knowing when or how to start or end a conversation
Most children with pragmatic language disorders don’t see a speech therapist until they start school, but there are sometimes clues that there’s a problem beforehand. For example, you might notice that your child doesn’t reach their language milestones when expected, or they have little interest in interacting socially.
Some adults with social language issues have trouble reaching their full potential in life as tasks such as writing an email response, texting with friends, having small talk on a first date, and especially, job interviews can be overwhelming and discouraging.
How does speech-language therapy help with social skills?
Honeycomb Speech Services begins by thoroughly evaluating you or your child’s speech and language skills. They use various methods, including interviews, observation, and informal as well as formal one-on-one testing.
Once they understand you or your child’s difficulties and unique needs, your therapist creates a personalized speech-language therapy program. They often combine several therapeutic methods to improve your child’s social skills, such as practicing asking questions, taking turns in conversation, and introducing or closing topics.
Your therapist can also use visual tools and role-plays to help you or your child develop strategies that improve their ability to thrive in social situations.
Call Honeycomb Speech Services or schedule a consultation online today for expert help with your child’s social communication skills.