• Social skills influence:
  • Success in inclusive settings
  • Teacher perceptions of the child's skills in all areas
  • Opportunities for child to learn from peers
  • Peer acceptance and peer perception of a child's disability
  • Self-esteem
  
  
• Social skills develop early in life and follow a predictable pattern.

• Social skills are often the least developed skill for a child with a significant disability.

• Social skills deficits increase with age and are greater for children with disabilities.

• Social skills can be effectively promoted or taught when children are young by:
  • Providing extra experience
  • Changing the environment
  • Providing child-centered and teacher-directed interventions

• Social skills have a lifelong influence on a child's development of healthy relationships.