Children with autism benefit from explicit teaching of social skills. Teaching social skills to children with autism is beneficial in preparing children to socialize with others starting at an early age.
Essentially, children are taught to identify rules, behaviors, and habits with the help of humanoid robot NAO that govern how people relate to others. They practice mastering them through explicit instruction.
How are Social Skills Different in People with Autism?
It’s important to keep in mind that all individuals with autism are unique and have their own skill sets. That being said, the majority of individuals with autism will tend to have a relatively limited social awareness, compared to neurotypical peers.
As children with autism communicate and socialize, they may do so solely through gestures or verbal cues. They may repeat a specific phrase or line or give a look or glance at another person. These actions can be misinterpreted or misunderstood by others, just as the child with ASD may not understand others’ actions, gestures, or phrases. But the child can be taught these nuances in therapeutic or educational settings with the goal of eventually recognizing them in other environments.
Another common challenge children face centers around their interaction with others in a complicated social environment. Children with autism might not be comfortable in one-on-one interactions with others. Their inability to process social information and communication in the same manner as neurotypical children can lead to confusion. These children often prefer to play alone rather than interact with peers. Because they do not communicate in the same ways as others, it’s frequently difficult for them to understand how and when to speak or respond to other people’s behavior.