Social skills groups are run in some areas of the country. They usually focus on the main areas that people with an ASD find difficult, including those discussed in other sections of this article, such making friends and having a conversation. Other social skills covered include identifying and expressing emotions, problem solving, body language and tone of voice.
You can search for details of social skills groups in your area at www.autism.org.uk/directory. If you contact the Autism Helpline on 0845 070 4004 they can also do a search for you.
You could also ask a family member, carer or friend to help you practise social skills. You could do this using role play. Things that you could practise include approaching people, starting a conversation, taking turns and ending a conversation. You could ask the people who know you well which skills they think it would be a good idea for you to practise.
Watching soaps on TV might give you some ideas of how to act in different social situations. You could also record an episode and ask someone to press pause during the programme and talk about what you would do next in that situation.
If you require further information, please contact:
Autism Helpline
Tel: 0845 070 4004 (open 10am-4pm, Monday-Friday)
Minicom: 0845 070 4003
Email: autismhelpline@nas.org.uk
Website: www.autism.org.uk/helpline
Our Autism Helpline provides impartial, confidential information, advice and support for people with autism spectrum disorders and their families and carers.
Information Centre
Tel: 0845 070 4004 (open 10am-4pm, Monday-Friday)
Fax: +44 (0)20 7833 9666
Email: info@nas.org.uk
Website: www.autism.org.uk/infocentre
Our Information Centre provides a specialist information service for professionals working with people with autism and their families, and students and researchers studying autism.