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Tips for Enhancing Social Skills in People with Special Needs Part 3
Whether your loved one with special needs is a child or an adult, socialization is important.
If you are a parent or caregiver of a child or adult with special needs, then you are probably all too familiar with the social difficulties many people with developmental disabilities struggle with. However, just because socialization is difficult, it doesn’t mean it’s not necessary. Social skills are important for us all, and in our previous blog, we went over a couple of tips to enhance social skills in people with special needs. Here are a couple more tips.
#5. Consider parallel play.
Parallel play is when you engage in a particular activity alongside a peer, rather than with them. While this isn’t a perfect answer for socialization, it’s a great place to start. Parallel play helps your loved ones connect with the people around them through shared interests, and it can fuel future interaction.
#6. Build socialization around activity.
Even the biggest social butterflies can have a hard time making conversation when there isn’t much activity going on, so imagine how difficult it is for people with special needs! Plan socialization around activities, such as going to the museum or the zoo. This helps the conversation to flow much easier and reveals shared interests.
Socialization is important, and here at Arc of Burlington, we offer a variety of activities and events that are perfect opportunities for your loved one to socialize. In addition to our incredible events, we also offer disability services, including adult day care, special needs day care, special needs camps and so much more.
Do you need assistance with medical appointments, shopping, banking and accessing community resources? We can provide trained and caring staff to work with you or your loved one in your home or in the community.
Do you need a full-time day program that offers a variety of activities to develop communication and self-help skills, community awareness, socialization, employment basics, and transportation?
The Recreation Program offers a full range of activities that includes monthly dances, Nights Out for Dinner, day trips, picnics, swim parties and evening enrichment classes, to name just a few! Here's where you'll find out the latest on what's happening in your community.