Interactive computer programs using real-life video to teach social skills to children and adolescents

• What are Autism Spectrum Disorders?
• What is the prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders?
• What is social skills training and why is it a priority?
• How does one decide if a child needs social skills training?
• What is Social Skill Builder social skills training software?
• Who created Social Skill Builder software?
• How much does Social Skill Builder software cost?
• Where can I purchase Social Skill Builder software?
• How does the software work?
• What are the technical requirements for Social Skill Builder software?
• Who can use the Social Skill builder software?
• What results can parents and practitioners expect?
• Does research demonstrate that Social Skill Builder software is effective in teaching social skills?
• How are these programs motivating for a child?
• How does working on a computer encourage a child to interact with others?
• Can I order online if I don't have JavaScript or Cookies enabled?
• How can I order products with a purchase order?
• How can I use the Lesson Plan Features?

Q1: What are Autism Spectrum Disorders?

A1: Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs), which usually begin during early childhood and last throughout a person's life, are a group of developmental disabilities that are caused by unusual brain development. ASDs include Autistic Disorder, Pervasive Developmental Disorder and Asperger Disorder. These three conditions share symptoms, but differ in terms of when the symptoms start, how fast they appear, how severe they are and their exact nature. People with ASDs tend to have problems with social and communication skills, and have unusual ways of learning, paying attention or reacting to different sensations.

Q2: How prevalent are Autism Spectrum Disorders?

A2: The US National Institute of Health estimates that one American child in 150 is affected with an ASD, compared with one in 10,000 a decade ago. As many as 1.5 million Americans today are believed to have some form of autism. The overall incidence is consistent around the globe, but is four times more prevalent in boys than girls. It's now estimated that one boy in 94 is diagnosed with autism.

Q3: What is social skills training and why is it a priority?

A3: Unlike their peers, children with ASDs do not acquire basic social skills through general experience and observation, such as sharing enjoyment and maintaining eye contact. This social inadequacy often results in anxiety, depression, social avoidance, academic difficulties and problematic peer interactions. Social skills training uses problem-solving techniques to actively teach children the skills they need to be successful and cope with challenging situations in the social environment. Research has demonstrated that social skills training is one of the most effective treatments for children with ASDs and helps them to succeed in their personal and academic lives.

Q4: How does one decide if a child needs social skills training?

A4: Formal standardized tests can determine basic levels of social skills functioning, but it is also important to interview the child's caregiver and observe him interacting with his environment. Teachers can also play an important role by watching the child during unstructured activities such as recess, and by using support staff to make note of breakdown times.

Q5: What is Social Skill Builder social skills training software?

A5: Social Skill Builder has created a series of learning tools which use real life video in computer assisted programs to teach social skills. The user is able to watch the video scenarios unfold and then make choices about what should be said or done next in a safe and controlled environment. These interactive features allow the child or adolescent to step inside familiar social situations to problem solve or predict outcomes. Motivating reinforcements and games make learning the social skills fun and entertaining. This unique training software provides a reference for language, behaviors and interactions that children can carry into the natural environment.

 

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