Description
Book SynopsisSocial skills may impact a student with a disability more than the disability itself. Learn the social deficits and challenges associated with disabilities as well as strategies to support social skill development. A variety of professionals share their success strategies so readers (parents, teachers, counselors, psychologists, and others working in the disability field) can incorporate them into their professional toolbox and practice. Included are strategies from Special Educators, School Counselors, Licensed Professional Counselors, an Occupational Therapist, and a Psychologist. Current issues such as bullying are explored in addition to ways that professionals and universities should be involved in supporting social skills of students with disabilities. A special section on working with parents includes a handout with strategies parents can use while social skills are developing in their child.
Trade ReviewMyers (Univ. of Mary Washington), editor and contributor of five chapters, rightfully notes that social skills associated with disability have long been neglected, and pinpoints the major cause for the neglect: social skills are numerous in deficits as well as unique to specific disabilities and to each individual. In addition, she is very blunt as to why there has not been much headway, stating that teachers simply do not know what to do about social skills. Myers attempts to address the issue and provides researched strategies geared to aid educators in assisting children with disabilities to learn social skills. She proposes admirable goals, and her original attempts can only be appreciated. However, in the end, the solution suggested is too simplistic for the issue to be resolved realistically, since the issue has so many layers that all have to be examined and resolved individually for a truly successful result. Therefore, this book is an excellent first step for students and those already working in the disability field, as it suggests incorporating change to successfully support social skills for children with disability so that they can be prepared to transition to adulthood with all the necessary skills. Summing Up: Recommended. Undergraduate and professional collections. * CHOICE *
As a developmental and behavioral pediatrician who cares for hundreds of children with disabilities, one of the most difficult, most demanding, and most important questions I face is "How can I help my child develop good social skills?" Social Skills Deficits by Dr. Myers and her team is a well-researched book that also draws on the clinical insights of experienced practitioners. I especially appreciate the book’s emphasis on early intervention, playfulness, and naturalistic settings. The eclectic approach taken here is the best because one size of intervention does not fit all children with disabilities. I highly recommend this book. -- Dr. Richard Solomon, Medical Director of The PLAY Project and the Ann Arbor Center for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Relevant and Refreshing!
Lack of attention to the importance of social skills in individuals with disabilities is where we have historically fallen down on the job. In a different era, a different time and place, when attempts were made to educate children with learning disabilities (like me) the irresistible urge on the part of educators, administrators, and parents was to break the will of a spirited child in order to 'teach' them—often while overlooking the inner self and social potential of the child. As a result, today, we have many broken individuals who feel like school failures.
There have been great strides made over the years, but Nicole Myers' book is a goldmine of practical information for professionals who work with individuals with disabilities and importantly the parents of these individuals as well. Clear, concise, and easy to follow, she provides expert insight and a fabulous array of practical tools for developing social skills in children—importantly emphasizing the 'one size does NOT fit all concept.'
As a person with dyslexia, I found getting good grades in school to be impossible. However 'good grades' were not a marker of my intelligence. Luckily I was able to foster my communication and social skills and found my true talents in life. I applaud this book. -- Nelson Lauver, Author, Speaker, Broadcaster, Author of Most Unlikely to Succeed: The Trials, Travels, and Ultimate "Triumphs" of a Throwaway Kid
Social skills instruction is critical for the success of students with disabilities. Dr. Myers' text addresses this essential and often overlooked skill in a practical and universal style. The inclusion of the role of university faculty and parents is especially insightful in addressing social skills training across all settings….A long-awaited text for all professionals working with students with disabilities. -- Sue Clark, Ed.D., Executive Director of Student Services, Stafford County Public Schools, Stafford, VA
Dr. Myers has developed a text that is a tremendous asset to the field. It allows readers to gain an understanding of issues related to social skills deficits in students with disabilities. Through a unique organization, she brings together experts and research to offer practical application and successful support for stakeholders. -- Suzanne G. Houff, PhD, Professor Emerita, University of Mary Washington, Adjunct Faculty, The Citadel
Social deficits can result in significant school failure for students with disabilities, but in many textbooks they are relegated to a short chapter. This new book, Social Skills Deficits in Students with Disabilities, clearly addresses all the aspects of these essential skills. Each chapter begins with focus questions and makes use of case studies to illustrate practices which are effective in developing confident, collaborative, and resilient learners. Clear descriptions of the way in which teachers, counselors, therapists, and parents can help students meet social challenges are sure to make an important difference in the way students with disabilities meet their daily challenges. -- Dr. Norah Hooper, Professor of Special Education, University of Mary Washington
Table of ContentsINTRODUCTION
PREFACE
CHAPTERS
CHAPTER 1 – Professional’s Role in Supporting Social Skills
Dr. Helen Nicole Frye Myers
CHAPTER 2 – Current Issues related to Social Skills Deficits
Dr. Helen Nicole Frye Myers
CHAPTER 3 – How Special Education Supports Social Skills
Dr. Helen Nicole Frye Myers
CHAPTER 4 – How School Counselors Support Social Skills
Dr. Amy Milsom
CHAPTER 5 – Peer Process Social Skills Groups
Dr. Christopher Haley
CHAPTER 6 – Use of Relatedness in Working with Children
Kimberly S. Harris, M.Ed., LPC, ABD
CHAPTER 7 – Understanding Sensory Input
Katherine Anne DeWeerd,OTR/L
CHAPTER 8 – The Role of Universities
Dr. Helen Nicole Frye Myers
CHAPTER 9 – Bullying: A Special Concern
Dr. Beverly Epps
CHAPTER 10 – Helping Parents Help their Child
Dr. Helen Nicole Frye Myers
CONTRIBUTORS
