Description
Book SynopsisDuring adolescence social development and social status among peers is of crucial importance. For teenagers with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) social interaction does not come naturally and often needs to be carefully learned. This workbook provides guided strategies to help those with ASD engage and connect with other people at home, school, work, at social gatherings and in the community.
Using a restaurant menu as a template, The Social and Life Skills MeNu guides readers through each step of a conversation with starter statements to initiate conversation, main course topics to convey the purpose of the interaction, and treats that bring the exchange to a close. Packed with questionnaires, discussion logs and hypothetical social scenarios, this workbook encourages students to think through their responses and consider the consequences of what they say and how others might react. By practicing these easy techniques students can improve self-awareness, increase self-confidence and build on their daily life skills.
This book will be a life-changing tool for all teenagers and young adults with social cognitive disorders, as well as their parents and the teachers and other professionals who work with them.
Trade ReviewIt is a large text format with A4 size paper making it very easy to read and assimilate... Overall this is a useful addition to the other workbooks already available in this area... So for those parents wishing to take the plunge and to start their own small group, this book is worth adding to your collection at the research phase. It is also to be recommended for any therapists and schools who educate and support those on the spectrum. -- AS Teens
This is an excellent practical workbook using an ingenious, informative and entertaining format. -- Tony Attwood, author of Asperger's Syndrome and The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome
An informative and well-designed workbook for teens with Asperger's Syndrome. By combining her personal experience and knowledge of Asperger's, Karra has developed practical and innovative strategies for ASD adolescents to enhance social interactions, while practicing daily life skills. The Social and Life Skills MeNu is an excellent resource. A must-have for parents and professionals. -- Joey Travolta, Creative Director of Inclusion Films, film-making workshops for adults with developmental disabilities, California
Table of ContentsAuthor's note. What's Inside this Workbook. 1. Menu Scenarios. Prepare to communicate socially. Prepare to communicate socially. Problem-solving social situations. Food for thought. Good social communication details. Lacking social communication details. Appropriately persistent. Overly persistent. Socially aware. Socially unaware. Accepting responsibility in a social setting. Not accepting responsibility. Create your own social scenario dialogue. Chapter 1 summary. 2. Starter MeNu Topics. Project your thoughts, feelings, and ideas appropriately. Project your thoughts, feelings, and ideas appropriately. Topic planning MeNu principles. Practice using the social MeNu. Social scenario setting. Personality test activity. Activity 1: Practice using social MeNu templates. Social situation activity. Social situations. Difficult social situations. Topic planning discussion questions. Chapter 2 summary. 3. MeNu Practicing Topics. Practice your social exchanges with others frequently. Practice your social exchanges with others frequently. Social scenario discussion questions. Chapter 3 summary. 4. Favourites and Special MeNu Topics. Produce an effective level of communication. Produce an effective level of communication. Social conflict discussion questions. Chapter 4 summary. 5. Adding Combinations, Sides, and Specials to Your . Conversation MeNu. Prepare, project, practice, produce. Tips and tricks for social conversations. Movie topic. Sports topic. Computer gaming topic. Chomping at the tidbits. Adding combinations, sides, and specials discussion questions. Chapter 5 summary. 6. MeNu Options. Using social skills with life skills. Using social skills with life skills. Applying social skills to life skills. Doctor's appointment. Dental appointment. Getting ready for school. Haircut. Text messaging and email. Yellow Pages as a resource. Calendar scheduling. Complete and turn homework in on time. Bank transaction. Monthly budget. Market shopping. Preparing dip. Contact local gas and electric company. Laundromat. Wash vehicle. Change smoke detector batteries. Public transportation ticket purchase. Library book return. Restaurant reservation. Restaurant dining conversation. MeNu options discussion questions. Chapter 6 summary. MeNu Templates. Resources.
