Socially Speaking: Pragmatic Social Skills Programme for Pupils with Mild to Moderate Learning Disabilities

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Social awkwardness is when you feel uncomfortable and out of place in social situations. It feels unpleasant, but being socially awkward has some benefits, too. Social communication is complex and we are all continually learning these skills through childhood, adolescence and beyond. This type of communication covers many different areas. Body language But more severely affected children tend to avoid any form of communication – spoken, written or gestured. Practising English socially is fun! You get to know new people. You use your English for real communication. You adapt to each other's level and direct your own learning.

Focus on the other person. Ask questions and really listen to the answers. This will help you connect with them and help the conversation flow more easily. They may memorise the words that were said to them when they were asked if they would like a drink, and use them later, in a different situation, to ask a question of their own. All this means you learn the skills and language you need fast. And you don't forget them. Record yourself speaking Model what you want to see from the student: don’t use a loud voice when you are in a quiet area; use a calm and neutral tone of voice. A loud voice may come across as shouting or angry. Be explicit: explain why the rules and expectations are in place, including the unwritten rules. Some students may just need it outlined explicitly. Have clear and consistent rules and routines in place; if a rule doesn’t make sense consider getting rid of it!

8. Practice Good Manners

pre-intentional - saying or doing things without intending to affect those around them. This type of communication can be used by someone to calm themselves, focus themselves or as a reaction to an upsetting/fun experience

Social conventions include politeness, manners and following the unwritten rules. They are about adapting language and communication to the audience and context, including cultural awareness and appropriateness. Interpersonal skills To be a good driver, you need to practise driving. You can read a book about car mechanics. You can study the rules of the road. But nothing is as good for your driving as spending time behind the wheel of a car, actually driving. Once engaged in an activity, carry on until the person indicates that they have had enough. Look out for facial grimaces or the person pushing away the activity. If they do not use language to indicate they have finished, accompany their form of communication with words such as "had enough" and "stop”. Find opportunities to interactAn autistic person’s ability to understand or use spoken language can vary depending on their anxiety or stress levels. For example, someone who is normally able to communicate well may have reduced ability due to underlying anxiety or sensory differences