Social Skills Program Philosophy and Approach
Social skill development is critical for our students’ life success and emotional well-being. With a comprehensive approach, social skills can be enhanced and developed in all of our students and integrated into their lives in meaningful ways.
Teaching specific social skills is not the only part of a successful social skills program. The program must strive to instill within students the confidence and motivation they need to feel comfortable in social situations. At Talisman, we do this by providing a supportive and engaging environment in which students can thrive and grow.
As a residential school, we have a special opportunity to synthesize these components into an integrated approach thatl allows students to practice generalizing skills with the support and feedback of highly trained staff.
Components:
Comprehensive research-based social skills curriculum:
Students meet five times a week to discuss, learn about and practice specific social skills. This is a graded elective course.
Natural setting for social skills coaching and development:
Talisman works on social skills throughout the day using experiential activities and “teachable moments” to supplement the rest of our social skills programming.
“Social Homework” to support generalization and internalization:
Students are often assigned experiential homework to practice outside of their social skills class.
Incentive-based level system that motivates students to use social skills.
Talisman’s structure for motivating students was designed specifically for children and teens with Asperger’s. As a result, social understanding and functioning are seamlessly integrated into the program structure in uniquely effective ways.
Content:
The content of Talisman’s program includes:
Interpersonal and Social Skills
• Conversational Skills
• Non-Verbal Body Language/ Voice Tone
• Interpersonal Cues
• Social Norms and Scripts
• Specific Social Skills
• Conflict Resolution
• Peer Skills
• Friendship Building
• Authority Figures
• Assertiveness
Emotional Understanding and Regulation
• Emotional Vocabulary
• Theory of Mind and Empathy
• Healthy and Unhealthy Thinking
• Relaxation Techniques (including deep breathing, time outs and guided imagery)
• Frustration Management Techniques
• Anxiety Management Techniques
• Locus of Control
• Mindfulness
Independent Living Skills
• Hygiene
• Fashion
• Daily Living Skills
• Online Etiquette and Internet Safety
• Job Interviewing
• Asking for Help
Life Planning
• Understanding Values
• Character Education Exercises
• Educational Sessions on Issues such as Dating Violence
• Career Exploration and Planning
• Educational Exploration and Planning
• Development of Long-Term Goals and Strategies
Approach:
Talisman utilizes the following researched-based approaches:• Social Stories
• Comic Book Conversations
• Video Modeling
• Experiential Learning
• Role Plays
• Social Scripts
• Structured Problem-Solving and Coaching
• Principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Small Group Work
• Direct Instruction
• Social Coaching
• Principles of Positive Behavior Support
Questions?
Please contact:
Aaron McGinley
Clinical Services Manager
amcginley@talismancamps.com
1-888-458-8226 Ext. 103