Integrated Social and Life Skills
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 that allows students to practice generalizing skills with the support and feedback of highly trained staff.
Learn about Social Skills Program Philosophy and Approach
Developing Social Skills
Social skills are a foundation of life at Talisman Academy. Students with Asperger's, High-Functioning Autism, and Nonverbal Learning Disorder have unique needs that often can't be met in a traditional school environment. With more than 30 years of experience helping these teens reach their full potential, Talisman Academy is an ideal setting to learn to communicate with peers, read social cues, and build confidence.
We have multi-faceted approach to developing and instilling social skills. Students participate in a structured, classroom-based social skills curriculum. Our Program Counselors facilitate further learning through providing consistent feedback, coaching and modeling as well as creating a safe community culture in which our students are encouraged to interact, both formally and informally, and can practice these skills. On off-campus trips, students are further encouraged to learn and abide by social norms and expectations of the larger community.
Learn about the benefits of Joining a Social Club
Teaching Motivation Through Incentives and Rewards
Our level system provides a foundation through which our students develop motivation to accept and work on personal challenges. Initially, we work to develop a sense of self-awareness and responsibility. Through developing a sense of self awareness and personal responsibility, students are able to understand the effects and consequences of their actions. Having a visual "ladder" to refer to on a daily basis helps our very concrete students work towards pro-social goals.
As our students learn and eventually display mastery of new skills, they earn increased and logical privileges, ultimately developing a sense of internal motivation and pride as accomplishments are recognized. These rewards motivate students and give them the chance to apply what they have learned in the community.
Initially we teach students the general expectations of the program, starting with basic day-to-day chores. As students demonstrate community membership and the ability to manage new responsibilities, they are able to earn privileges such as the ability to manage their allowance, enjoy extra free time, or have a personal tent on trips and expeditions. Over time, students that establish themselves as trustworthy and self-sufficient can reach the Master Craftsman level, where they are expected to manage all aspects of their daily routine with limited support from staff and teachers as well as provide leadership to their peers.
Read A Day in the Life of a Talisman Academy Student
This privilege-based system offers our staff and teachers tools to address the behavioral and social issues commonly confronted by our students. It also gives students a clear set of goals to work toward and a fulfilling sense of accomplishment as new skills are mastered.
The Importance of Healthy Living
At Talisman Academy, students practice a healthy, active lifestyle that incorporates exercise, good nutrition, hygiene, and self-awareness into their daily lives. Students learn to make healthy choices part of the daily routine during our program, Students develop skills and patterns that, with family support, can be integrated in life at home.
Learn about Mealtime at Talisman Academy