No matter what you do in life—be it your occupation, or your day-to-day interactions in the community—it is going to involve working around other people. The soft skills surrounding how to effectively navigate around these other humans are invaluable, lifelong lessons. Children need some guidance on the dos and don’ts of these social constructs as they grow up. Children with autism need even more attention. Supporting neurodivergent children in developing social interactions is crucial for their overall growth and well-being. While every child is unique, there are a variety of strategies out there that are worth trying. At Monarch House, we put a lot of emphasis on social skills and communication strategies for children with autism. Here are some ways that we can help your child, as well as some suggestions that you can implement at home. 

Here are ten useful approaches to help children with autism in Burlington navigate social interactions with greater confidence.

1. Social Skills Groups

Monarch House offers group therapy and social skills programs for children with autism. Don’t be shy to enrol your child in an inclusive group where they can interact with their peers in a supportive environment. Our occupational therapists and behavioural therapists make use of  role-playing exercises to teach essential skills to your child. Practicing in a group setting helps them try out these new skills in real-life situations.

2. Modeling And Role-Playing

When it comes to social interaction, the first person your child is going to look for as an example will be you. That’s a lot of pressure, so be sure to be vigilant about how you handle yourself in public. Demonstrate social interactions through modeling. At Monarch House, we use role-playing to simulate various social scenarios, like how to do proper greetings or asking how to join in on a game or conversation. Your child will learn by observing their peers in social skills groups and therapists one-on-one and later refine these techniques by practicing these interactions themselves in a low-pressure setting.

3. Structured Playdates

Social interaction can be, and should be, fun. Don’t hesitate to set up structured playdates with your child’s peers. If this is new territory for your child, the interaction can be guided by an adult to ensure that the first encounter is a positive experience. Play skill development at home for children with autism is an area where Monarch House can offer some guidance. Some things to keep in mind are to set clear rules and activities in advance so there’s no awkward pauses in the early visits. Some suggestions are board games, sports, arts and crafts, puzzles, or dancing to music to provide a framework for interaction. In this way your child will start to learn social cues and get some practice sharing and taking turns.

4. Visual Supports

It’s one thing to be told what to do, and another to be shown by example. At Monarch House, we often utilize visual supports, such as pictographs, charts, or diagrams to walk your child through social concepts. Visual aids can help children with autism recognize social cues and understand expectations. For example, we can show your child a chart that will break down the steps as to how they can introduce themselves in public. This will make the experience less scary. 

5. Focus On Interests

No two children with autism are alike, so we try to find out what makes each child special. Then we try to incorporate your child’s unique interests into the social activities. Shared hobbies or passions can get the conversation started and work to build a connection when meeting new friends and engaging with peers. Common interests can serve as a bridge for interaction, whether they are stickers, a love for animals, or sports. 

6. Teach Conversation Skills

At Monarch House we have a few techniques our professional occupational therapists, behavioural therapists, psychotherapists and speech therapists like to employ. Our communication strategies for children with autism involve breaking down the components of conversation into smaller, more manageable pieces. We look at elements such as maintaining eye contact, taking turns, and asking questions politely. Your child can then practice these skills through structured exercises and roleplay. This methodology helps children understand the flow of dialogue. As always, we reinforce positive interactions with praise (and sometimes treats) to boost their confidence as they learn.

7. Use Technology Wisely

There are advantages to living in the modern age. We have access to resources now that didn’t exist twenty years ago. Be sure to leverage technology to enhance social skills in your child with autism. There are a wide variety of apps and games that promote communication and social interactions. If your child is not quite ready to interact in public, virtual platforms can provide a less intimidating space for practice. In this way, your child can engage with their peers at their own pace.

8. Positive Reinforcement

At Monarch House we believe that encouragement at every step of the way is essential. It could be a high five, a sticker, a hug, or even some extra screen time. The best way to facilitate social interactions is through positive reinforcement. Build your child’s self esteem by celebrating the little victories, no matter how small. If you acknowledge their efforts to engage with new friends, it will motivate them to continue practicing their social skills.

9. Parent And Teacher Collaboration

It takes a village to teach a child with autism. Form alliances and collaborate with your child’s teachers and caregivers (as well as the therapists at Monarch House) to ensure consistency in social skill development. Share strategies and progress updates, creating a united approach to support your child. Consistency across different settings can reinforce learning and provide a stronger foundation.

10. Be Patient And Supportive

Remember, there’s no rush! Take your time and be supportive. Social interactions don’t come naturally to most children with autism so approach them with patience and understanding. Setbacks are a normal part of learning, so prepare yourself for the idea that progress may be slow. The best you can do is provide a safe space for your child to express their feelings and frustrations, fostering resilience and a willingness to try again.

At Monarch House we work with individuals of all ages and development levels to help foster confidence in their everyday interactions. Working with these strategies, through occupational therapy and behavioural therapists (along with support from parents, caregivers, siblings, and educators) we can create an environment that promotes social interaction for your child, and other children with autism in Burlington. With patience, time, practice, and support, your child can learn to develop meaningful connections and enhance their social skills. This helps to open doors to a more independent and fulfilling life.