Social communication is the way that we relate, understand someone else’s perspective, make connections and develop meaningful relationships. Being able to communicate effectively is vital to being a part of the world around us and
feeling included.
For many children delays in social communication or speech delay, even the
slightest and most subtle delays can wreak havoc on their ability to
participate in peer games and interactions on the schoolyard. For many children being included is much more important than their grade on the last math test. Feeling lost in a social environment can leave children feeling alone and can have a negative impact on their self-esteem putting them at risk for bullying.
Speech-Language Pathologists can offer strategies to help students develop social communication skills. Depending on the child’s age, the focus may be on conversational skills such as starting a conversation and turn-taking, or non-verbal skills such as understanding facial expressions and emotions. Understanding someone else’s perspective, learning how to deal with negative communication in a constructive way and discovering the nuances of peer interactions can help give your child the right strategies to join in.
Having strong social communication skills leads to increased confidence in social settings making interaction with peers easier and more enjoyable for your child. Social communication may be the link your child needs to make those connections on the playground.
Stephanie Mathias Speech Language Pathologist The Speech Therapy Centres of Canada