Social Skills Deficits in Students with Disabilities

Social skills may impact a student with a disability more than the disability itself. Learn the social deficits and challenges associated with disabilities as well as strategies to support social skill development. A variety of professionals share their success strategies so readers (parents, teachers, counselors, psychologists, and others working in the disability field) can incorporate them into their professional "toolbox" and practice. Included are strategies from Special Educators, School Counselors, Licensed Professional Counselors, an Occupational Therapist, and a Psychologist. Current issues such as bullying are explored in addition to ways that professionals and universities should be involved in supporting social skills of students with disabilities. A special section on working with parents includes a handout with strategies parents can use while social skills are developing in their child.
About the Author: Dr. Helen Nicole Myers teaches at University of Mary Washington where she serves as coordinator of the university's Play Lab and Autism Clinic. She worked as both an elementary and secondary special educator before going into administration and later higher education. Dr. Myer's research focuses on social skills in children with disabilities, training parents to advocate for their children, and improving special educator preparation and training. Dr. Myers presents regularly on social skills and authentic learning. She is the mother of one child. Katherine Anne DeWeerd, OTR/L graduated with a Master's of Science in Occupational Therapy and with an undergraduate focus of Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Allied Health. Katherine's career in pediatrics includes working for Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU, Fredericksburg Therapy Center. Additionally, Katherine co-founded Stage Door Stars through Stage Door Productions. Stage Door Stars is a special needs theatre program that offers theatre sensory camps and workshops year round in the Fredericksburg, Virginia area. She is the mother of four children. Dr. Beverly Epps teaches at University of Mary Washington. She taught Science at the secondary level before becoming involved in administration and later higher education and Educational Leadership. Dr. Epps is concerned about bullying in our schools and has presents regularly on this topic. Dr. Epps developed and teaches professional development training for teachers on bullying. Dr. Amy Milsom teaches at Clemson University and serves as the coordinator for School and Clinical Mental Health Counseling programs. She worked as a middle and high school counselor, and has extensive experience working with students with disabilities. Dr. Milsom's research focuses on individuals with disabilities, postsecondary transitions, and school counselor preparation. She has over 40 publications and presents regularly at counseling conferences. Dr. Christopher T. Haley is the Co-Director of Psychological and Life Skills Associates in Woodbridge, VA. Dr. Haley is a Clinical Psychologist with experience in psychotherapy with children, adolescents, adults, families, and groups. His primary specialty area is teaching social skills to children and adolescents. He opened "The Social Skills Center in 2012. Dr. Haley's other areas of interest include parenting, parent-child conflict, family issues, and men's issues. Dr. Haley resides in Fairfax Co., Virginia, with his wife, two daughters, and dog, Toby. Kimberly S. Harris, ABD, LPC received her master degrees in Counseling and Human Development from Harvard University, and in Clinical Pastoral Counseling from Loyola College, Maryland. She is currently completing her doctoral studies in Counselor Education and Supervision at Loyola University Maryland, where her research interests include attachment, spirituality, and addiction. Kim is a licensed professional counselor in the state of Virginia and is currently in private practice, specializing in the support of children and families during times of transition and loss. She is the mother of four children.