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Social Skills in ABA Therapy: Helping Your Child Build Friendships
As parents, we know it’s so important for our children to have meaningful friendships – when they’re small and as they grow. For children with autism, navigating social situations can be challenging. But that doesn’t mean they can’t form lasting friendships. One of the key areas we focus on in ABA Therapy (Applied Behavior Analysis) is social skills development—a vital building block for successful communication, interaction, and friendship-building.
At our Fort Myers ABA therapy clinic, we believe that every child has the potential to connect with others and form positive relationships. ABA therapy is an evidence-based approach that can help your child develop the essential social skills needed to engage with their peers in meaningful ways.
Why Social Skills Matter
Social skills are crucial in day-to-day life. They allow us to communicate effectively, understand and respond to others’ emotions, and engage in cooperative play or conversation. For children with autism, these skills don’t always come naturally. It’s tougher to build friendships.
You might have noticed that your child prefers solitary play, struggles with maintaining conversations, or experiences difficulty reading social cues. At FOCUS, our ABA therapy in Southwest Florida addresses these challenges by breaking down complex social behaviors into smaller, teachable components. These are then practiced in a structured, supportive setting. Over time, children begin to generalize these skills and apply them in real-life interactions.
Many studies have shown that ABA therapy can help children with autism master skills key to social functioning. For instance, a 2023 study published in Frontiers in Psychology revealed ABA therapy techniques were pivotal in helping kids:
- Accept a request to change behavior
- Wait for their turn to speak
- Help others/their peers
- Knock on a door before entering
- Play creatively and symbolically
- Play functionally
- Play socially – with objects and kids
- Use game rules
- Appropriately seek physical interaction
- Behavior as expected in a variety of social situations
How Our Fort Myers ABA Therapy Supports Social Skills Development
ABA therapy uses positive reinforcement to encourage and teach appropriate behaviors. This includes social skills. Every child is unique, so their therapy plan is tailored to address their specific needs and goals.
Some of the ways our dedicated BCBAs & RBTs help kids develop these important skills:
Fort Myers Speech Therapists Explain Developmental Language Disorders
As Fort Myers speech therapists, we frequently work with parents who are concerned about their child’s speech and language development. If you’re noticing that your child is struggling to communicate or understand language compared to their peers, you may be wondering whether they have one of the developmental language disorders. Maybe they’ve even been diagnosed with one, and you’re unsure where to go from here.
Our knowledgeable, dedicated team at FOCUS Therapy is committed to helping parents fully understand developmental language disorders, how they often affect kids and what can be done to support them in their journey toward functional communication.
What are Developmental Language Disorders?
Developmental Language Disorders are conditions that involve significant difficulties with understanding and/or using language. Language delays and other language disorders are among the most common types of developmental disorders, affecting around 7% of children in the U.S. Unlike some other language difficulties, developmental language disorders aren’t caused by hearing problems, intellectual disabilities, or other neurological conditions. These are standalone issues that impact how a child learns and uses language – though they can occur simultaneously with other speech/language difficulties.
Children with a developmental language disorder might struggle with:
- Understanding what others are saying.
- Using the right words to express themselves.
- Forming proper sentences.
- Learning new vocabulary.
- Following instructions.
- Telling stories in a clear and organized way.
Signs of Developmental Language Disorders
As a parent, it can be challenging to know what to look for when it comes to identifying language delays. Kids develop at different rates, so one child’s progress may not match another’s. However, there are some common signs of developmental language disorder:
- Delayed first words: Most children say their first word around 12 months. If your child isn’t saying any words by 18 months, it could be a sign of a language delay.
- Limited vocabulary: If by age 2 your child has fewer than 50 words or is not combining words into simple phrases like “want juice” or “more milk,” it may be time to consult a speech therapist.
- Difficulty understanding instructions: Children with developmental language disorders often struggle to follow simple directions like “Put the toy on the table” or “Come here.”
- Challenges with sentence formation: After age 3, most children are able to form short sentences. If your child’s sentences are noticeably shorter or less grammatically correct than those of their peers, it could be a sign of a language disorder.
- Difficulty with storytelling or conversations: Children with developmental language difficulties may have trouble organizing their thoughts when trying to tell a story or have a conversation. They may leave out important details or struggle to sequence events properly.
How Does This Condition Affect Children?
Developmental Language Disorders can have a significant impact on a child’s daily life. Language is central to how we communicate, learn, and socialize. Kids with a language disorder may struggle academically, particularly in areas like reading and writing. Socially, they might find it harder to make friends or participate in group activities, as they may have trouble understanding others or expressing their thoughts.
Despite these challenges, it’s important to remember that children with these conditions are often bright and capable. With the right support, they can overcome many of these difficulties and learn to communicate effectively.
How Can a Fort Myers Speech Therapist Help?
If you suspect your child may have a language delay or disorder, the first step is to seek an evaluation from a skilled speech-language pathologist (SLP). Through a combination of standardized tests, observation, and parent interviews, we can assess your child’s language abilities and determine if a language disorder is present.
Once a diagnosis is made, we create a tailored treatment plan. Therapy often focuses on:
- Building vocabulary: We work on teaching your child new words and how to use them appropriately.
- Improving sentence structure: Therapy will help your child form grammatically correct sentences and improve their ability to express ideas clearly.
- Enhancing comprehension: We help children understand what others are saying, which is crucial for following directions and participating in conversations.
- Social communication skills: Therapy often involves role-playing or structured conversations to help children learn how to interact with others.
What Parents Can Do at Home
Parents play a crucial role in supporting language development. Simple strategies like talking to your child throughout the day, reading books together, and asking open-ended questions can make a big difference. The more you engage your child in language-rich activities, the more opportunities they have to practice and improve their skills.
We understand a diagnosis – or even the prospect of a diagnosis – can be overwhelming for both children and parents. But the good news is that with early intervention and consistent support, kids with language delays and disorders can make significant progress.
If you have concerns about your child’s language development, trust your instincts and seek the guidance of a speech-language pathologist. With the right help, your child can build the communication skills they need to succeed.
FOCUS offers pediatric speech therapy in Fort Myers and throughout Southwest Florida. Call (239) 313.5049 or Contact Us online.
Additional Resources:
Developmental Language Disorder, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
More Blog Entries:
Types of AAC Our Fort Myers Speech Therapists Utilize, June 30, 2024, Fort Myers Speech Therapy Blog
Importance of WH Questions in Measuring Language Development
As pediatric speech therapists in Fort Myers, one of the key tools we use to assess and support language development in children is the ability to understand and answer WH questions.
You’re familiar with these: They’re the questions that begin with “who,” “what,” “where,” “when,” “why,” and “how.” These questions aren’t just for reporters. They play a critical role in both language comprehension and expressive communication for kids. Mastering WH questions is essential for a child’s development. When a child grasps them, it reflects their growing understanding of the world around them and their ability to convey information effectively.
Building Blocks of Communication
WH questions form the foundation of conversation. They require a child to think beyond simple yes/no answers and engage in more complex, meaningful communication. For example:
- “Who” asks for a person (e.g., “Who is your teacher?”).
- “What” seeks information about an object or event (e.g., “What are you eating?”).
- “Where” inquires about a place (e.g., “Where is the dog?”).
- “When” asks about time (e.g., “When is your birthday?”).
- “Why” explores reasons or causes (e.g., “Why is the sky blue?”).
- “How” focuses on the manner or process of something (e.g., “How did you do that?”).
Kids need to understand the meaning of these words and how they function within a sentence to respond appropriately. The ability to answer WH questions shows that a child is not only processing the language but also comprehending concepts like people, places, actions, and reasons.
A Key Indicator of Language Comprehension
The ability to respond to WH questions is often used as a marker of a child’s receptive language development—how well they understand what is being said to them. Children who struggle to answer WH questions may have difficulty with language comprehension, vocabulary, or concepts such as time or cause-and-effect relationships.
For instance, if a child is unable to answer “Where is your coat?” it could signal a gap in their understanding of spatial concepts. Similarly, not being able to answer “Why are you sad?” could indicate difficulty with emotional vocabulary or understanding cause and effect. By focusing on how well a child responds to different types of WH questions, speech therapists can pinpoint specific areas where further support may be needed.
Encouraging Expressive Language Skills
Answering WH questions also requires expressive language skills—the ability to use words and sentences to communicate ideas.
For example, let’s say a child is asked, “What did you do at school today?” To answer, they have to recall and describe an event using appropriate vocabulary and sentence structure. This type of open-ended question encourages more than a simple yes/no answer, prompting the child to form a more detailed response.
Practicing WH questions with your kids — at home, at school, in the community — helps them learn to organize their thoughts and express themselves clearly. As they develop, their ability to provide more complex and complete answers to WH questions reflects their growing language abilities.
Assessing Cognitive and Social Understanding
These question types are not only about language; they also measure cognitive and social understanding. For instance, when a child is asked a “why” question, they must think critically about reasons and motivations. When answering a “who” question, they must recognize people and their roles in specific contexts.
This line of questioning encourages children to make connections between language and the world around them. This ability to link language to real-world knowledge is essential for problem-solving, storytelling, and participating in conversations.
Strategies for Supporting WH Question Development
For children who struggle with this, targeted speech therapy interventions can be highly effective. Speech therapists often use visual supports, modeling, and repetition to help children learn how to answer these types of questions. Parents and caregivers can reinforce these skills at home by asking simple questions during everyday activities like mealtime or play.
When reading a book, you might ask, “Where is the dog?” while pointing to the picture of the dog. Gradually, as your child grows more comfortable with these questions, more complex lines of inquiry and inference can be introduced, such as “Why do you think the dog is hiding?”
Bottom Line:
WH questions are a vital part of language development and are often used by Fort Myers speech therapists to assess a child’s language comprehension, expressive abilities, and cognitive understanding. Mastering these questions is crucial for effective communication and helps children engage more fully with the world around them.
FOCUS offers pediatric speech therapy in Fort Myers and throughout Southwest Florida. Call (239) 313.5049 or Contact Us online.
Additional Resources:
50 Perfect (and Practical) Why Questions for Speech Therapy- Plus Activities, Oct. 1, 2023, The Pedi Speechie
More Blog Entries:
Why a Speech Therapist for Child Swallowing Issues? Aug. 2, 2024, Fort Myers Speech Therapy Blog
How Does Occupational Therapy Help My Child?
One of the most common questions we get at FOCUS is, “How does occupational therapy help my child?”
Occupational therapy (or “OT”) is a broad discipline, and it’s not well-understood – both generally, and by parents who are just starting out on their pediatric occupational therapy journey.
OT is a specialized field designed to help children develop the skills they need to succeed in their daily lives. Whether it’s improving motor coordination, building sensory regulation or fostering social skills, OT can make a significant difference for children with a variety of developmental challenges, including autism spectrum disorder, down syndrome, cerebral palsy, global developmental delay, traumatic injuries and more.
1. Enhancing Fine and Gross Motor Skills
One of the primary goals of pediatric occupational therapy is to improve both fine motor (small muscle movements) and gross motor (large muscle movements) skills. Fine motor skills involve the use of the small muscles in the hands and fingers, which are crucial for tasks like writing, buttoning clothes, or holding utensils. Gross motor skills, on the other hand, involve larger muscles used for activities like jumping, running, and climbing.
Children who struggle with these skills may have difficulty with everyday tasks like dressing themselves, using scissors, or even playing with toys. In OT, we use fun, engaging activities that target these areas to help children build the strength, coordination, and control they need.
For example:
- If a child is having trouble with handwriting, we might work on strengthening their hand muscles through activities like coloring, using playdough, or practicing specific hand exercises.
- For children struggling with balance and coordination, we may design obstacle courses, jumping games, or exercises that improve body awareness and strength.
2. Promoting Sensory Processing and Regulation
Many children, especially those with sensory processing disorder or autism, experience challenges in how they process and respond to sensory input. Some children may be overly sensitive to sounds, textures, lights, or movements, while others may seek out more intense sensory experiences, like crashing into things or constantly moving.
In OT, we focus on sensory integration to help children make sense of the world around them and respond appropriately to sensory stimuli. We create individualized sensory-based activities to help your child become more comfortable with their environment and self-regulate.
For example:
- A child who is hypersensitive to touch might benefit from activities like brushing therapy, weighted vests, or playing with different textures in a safe and controlled way.
- A child who craves movement might engage in sensory-rich activities like swinging, jumping on a trampoline, or spinning to help meet their sensory needs in a productive way.
The goal of OT is to help children achieve a balanced sensory experience, so they feel more calm, focused, and able to engage with their surroundings.
Value of Visual Schedules – Explained by ABA Therapist in Fort Myers
For an ABA therapist in Fort Myers, one of the most powerful tools for supporting children with autism is the visual schedule.
Visual schedules provide a clear, structured way for children to understand their daily routines, expectations, and transitions. They can significantly reduce anxiety, improve communication, and promote independence.
Here, we’ll explore why visual schedules are such a key part of ABA therapy and how they can make a profound difference – not for therapists and in therapy sessions, but in a wide range of settings and situations when parents are instructed on how to create and use them.
1. Predictability Reduces Anxiety
Children with autism often experience heightened anxiety when faced with new or unexpected situations. The world can feel unpredictable, and this uncertainty may lead to challenging behaviors. Visual schedules provide a consistent routine, giving children a clear sense of what will happen next. When a child knows that snack time comes after playtime or that going home follows a therapy session, they feel more secure and can navigate transitions with less stress.
For example, if a child tends to become anxious before an activity like leaving for school, a visual schedule can help them understand the sequence of events that lead up to that moment. This predictability reduces the anxiety that comes from not knowing what’s next.
2. Supporting Communication and Understanding
Many children with autism struggle with verbal communication, making it difficult for them to process spoken instructions or understand verbal cues. A visual schedule provides a non-verbal means of communication, offering a concrete representation of what’s expected. Using pictures, icons, or even written words (depending on the child’s developmental level), a visual schedule can break down complex tasks into manageable, understandable steps.
An ABA therapist in Fort Myers understands that non-verbal children, a visual schedule serves as an accessible way to follow along and engage with their daily activities without relying solely on spoken language. This can lead to better cooperation and participation in tasks, as they understand the flow of their day.
3. Encouraging Independence
Visual schedules promote independence by empowering children to manage their own activities. Instead of relying on adults to tell them what to do next, children can refer to the visual schedule and complete tasks independently. This not only builds confidence but also helps foster self-regulation skills.
For instance, a child can learn to transition from one activity to another, like moving from a sensory break to a learning task, by checking their schedule and following the steps without constant verbal prompting from an adult. Over time, this increased autonomy can lead to greater success both in and outside of therapy sessions.
4. Improving Focus and Attention
Children with autism may struggle to stay focused during long or unfamiliar activities. Visual schedules help to break down activities into smaller, more digestible parts, increasing the child’s ability to concentrate. By having a visual reference point, they can see how much progress they’ve made and what still needs to be done. This can be motivating and provide a sense of accomplishment when tasks are completed.
Additionally, knowing when a preferred activity (such as a play break or snack time) is coming can help children stay engaged in less preferred tasks, as they can visually see that the fun activity is just around the corner.
5. Aiding Transitions Between Activities
Transitions between activities can be particularly difficult for children with autism, often leading to meltdowns or frustration. Visual schedules offer a smooth way to transition from one task to another. By seeing that an activity is coming to an end and another is beginning, children are better prepared mentally and emotionally to make that shift.
For example, a child who struggles with ending playtime and beginning a learning session can benefit from a visual cue showing that play is about to end and it’s time for a different activity. This advance notice helps prepare the child for what’s next, making transitions more manageable.
This approach has been proven effective in study after study.
6. Customizable for Individual Needs
One of the great advantages of visual schedules is their adaptability. Every child is unique, and visual schedules can be customized to meet the individual needs of the child. Some children may prefer simple picture-based schedules, while others may benefit from more detailed written steps. The flexibility of visual schedules allows ABA therapists and parents to tailor them to the child’s developmental level, interests, and specific challenges.
For children who may need extra reinforcement, visual schedules can also be paired with a reward system, where completing each task on the schedule leads to a positive outcome, like earning a sticker or a favorite toy.
Conclusion
In ABA therapy, visual schedules are more than just a tool for organizing a child’s day—they are a bridge to understanding, communication, and independence. They empower children with autism to navigate their world with less anxiety and more confidence. By providing structure, predictability, and support, visual schedules can transform daily routines into opportunities for growth and success.
As a therapist, watching children thrive using these schedules is incredibly rewarding. Whether used at home, in school, or during therapy sessions, visual schedules offer a simple yet powerful way to make life more predictable and manageable for children with autism.
FOCUS offers ABA therapy in Fort Myers, Southwest Florida. Call (239) 313.5049 or Contact Us online.
Additional Resources:
SEPARATE AND COMBINED EFFECTS OF VISUAL SCHEDULES AND EXTINCTION PLUS DIFFERENTIAL REINFORCEMENT ON PROBLEM BEHAVIOR OCCASIONED BY TRANSITIONS, Summer 2009, Journal of Applied Behavioral Analysis
More Blog Entries:
Behavioral Health Consultants Ask, “What is Being Said With This Action?” Aug. 30, 2024, Fort Myers ABA Therapy Blog
Behavioral Health Consultants Ask, “What is Being Said With This Action?”
At FOCUS Therapy, our child behavior experts (BCBAs) get to the heart of WHY a behavior is occurring. As ABA therapists and behavioral health consultants, we must ask, “What is the child communicating with this act?”
From there, we can go on to teach kids safer, more successful ways to communicate & advocate for themselves. Because as adults, we can only respond effectively if we know the “question”?
Children in general do not yet have the social, emotional, cognitive, or physical capacity always behave in ways that are expected. Most of us take for granted that when a baby cries, they’re trying to tell us something. Yet somehow, we seem to forget that kids don’t automatically become master communicators just because they learn how to talk or have a few years behind them. Even if they know what they want or need (or don’t want), they don’t yet have the skills to communicate in ways we consider socially appropriate. And some kids take more time to learn this than others. As the adults in their life, it’s our job first to “hear” them – and then to teach them how best to communicate that in day-to-day life.
Both in Fort Myers ABA therapy sessions (in-clinic for kids with autism and some other diagnoses) & less-intensive behavior health consulting (in-home, in-clinic or virtual), we teach parents how to address behavior by first starting with the question, “What’s being said?”
FOCUS offers ABA therapy, child behavior consulting, and ADOS testing in Fort Myers, Florida. Call (239) 313.5049 or Contact Us online.
Additional Resources:
Behavior is Communication, The Florida Center for Early Childhood
More Blog Entries:
FOCUS Behavioral Health Consultants in Lee County, FL Empower Parents
As a parent, it can be incredibly frustrating to see your child struggle with behavior issues such as tantrums, defiance, aggression and social difficulties. While some children may qualify for Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA therapy), there are many who do not meet the criteria but still need support. This is where our leading behavioral health consultants step in.
These are board-certified behavioral analysts, experts in child behavior who are qualified to provide children with ABA therapy, who can also help empower parents to help their children overcome behavioral challenges.
Although our services are generally clinic-based in Fort Myers, Florida, we have a bit more flexibility with respect to behavior consulting. We can arrange to meet parents and caregivers in home visits, at school/daycare settings and virtually, as needed.
What Does a Behavioral Health Consultant Do?
Pediatric behavioral health consultants are professionals who specialize in a wide range of behavioral issues in children.
We work with families to develop strategies and interventions tailored to the child’s unique needs.
Using evidence-based approaches, we are able to support children and their families by formulating an effective approach to addressing difficult child behaviors that are impeding their social, emotional, academic and physical well-being.
These services are not typically covered by insurance policies (though they can be). But because it’s on a consultative basis, families are empowered with a tailor-made plan, crafted by a child behavior specialist, as well as the flexibility to simply check in and follow-up as-needed.
Parents also can use it as a stop-gap while their child is on a Florida waiting list for ABA therapy.