Social Skills Activities for Adults with Autism

By Kate Miller-Wilson

For adults on the autism spectrum, social interaction can be a significant challenge. The

increased demands of social life in the adult world, coupled with the non-verbal

communication and perspective challenges that come with autism spectrum disorders

(ASD), can make aspects of daily interaction overwhelming for adults at any developmental

level. Fortunately, there are lots of great activities that can target and strengthen these

skills and improve independence and quality of life.

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Building Without Words

Download the non-verbal communication activity.

Every adult with autism is different, but many people have visual and tactile strengths that

can be a great foundation for building social skills. In many cases, non-verbal

communication gets in the way of daily adult interaction, since gestures and facial

expressions can make up a large portion of social communication. This activity uses strong

visual and tactile abilities to support growth in non-verbal communication.

To play, adults are grouped into pairs, and each pair is given a stack of goal cards and a

pile of building blocks. The challenge is for one partner to explain to the other partner

through gestures and non-verbal communication how to build the shape displayed on each

card. The team with the most completed shapes is the winner.

This fun activity makes a great social group icebreaker, and it works for both verbal and

non-verbal adults.

Role Play - Empathy

Download the empathy role play script.

The unpredictable nature of social interaction can add to the challenges faced by many

adults with ASD. In addition, problems with Theory of Mind and perspective-taking can

make it seem like adults on the spectrum lack empathy or an ability to relate emotionally to

others. Role play is an excellent way to work on building social-emotional reciprocity while

controlling for unexpected variables. Since the interaction is scripted, it provides an

interactive example without the stress of a real-world scenario.

This scripted scenario involves offering comfort to a friend who is sad or worried. The script

pauses at strategic points to allow for group discussion about important aspects like

identifying that someone else is upset, asking questions to offer support, and providing

comfort. It's perfect for the group setting.

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This activity is best for verbal adults with higher levels of functioning.

Creative Activity and Conversation Guide

Download the creative activity and conversation guide.

Initiating a conversation can be challenging for many adults on the autism spectrum, but it's

an important social skill that makes life a little easier. Sharing an activity offers common

ground and makes a good springboard for social interaction.

In this activity, participants use a variety of art supplies to create a piece that represents

something special to them. It may be a special interest, family member, place, or anything

else. Then participants pair off to talk about the artwork. The conversation guide includes

suggestions for good questions to ask about the other person's work, as well as topics to

avoid in this interaction.

This activity is best suited to verbal adults, but with modifications, it could work for non-

verbal adults as well.

More Fun Activities to Build Social Skills

Getting together as a group can be fun, especially if you have a structured activity to help

build social skills. Try some of these ideas.

Game NightA game night is a great way to get several people together and enjoy a common activity.

Have everyone bring a favorite board game or card game and take turns playing different

ones. A group leader can facilitate casual conversation during game play. This type of

activity is best for verbal adults of varying functioning levels.

To keep things flowing smoothly, make sure everyone agrees on the rules ahead of time.

Also clearly state that casual conversation is the objective, so participants don't see it as a

distraction from the game itself.

Non-Competitive SportsSometimes, a non-structured activity can be a great icebreaker and a fun way to build

social relationships. Swimming, cross-country skiing, biking, and other non-competitive

sports can keep things fun and relaxed. This type of activity can be challenging for those

who love structure, but with proper support, this can help broaden the range of experiences

individuals can share with others.

This is a great opportunity to practice casual conversation, and it's a perfect choice for both

verbal and non-verbal adults. To make the activity more structured for those who need it,

offer a map of a route you plan to take or a schedule of events.

ClassesTaking a class with other people is another great activity that can help build social skills.

Ideally, this class will focus on an individual's special interest or some aspect of that

interest. Some fun ideas include cooking, art classes, languages, model building, history,

and more. The fascinating subject and structured environment will make it easier for the

adult with ASD to interact with the group.

If the individual is non-verbal or requires extra support, consider having a helper come

along. Over time, the helper can phase out his or her involvement, helping the adult with

autism build skills and confidence.

Make It Fun!

No matter which activity you choose, remember that it needs to be fun. On its own, social

interaction may not be inherently reinforcing for the adult with autism, and in some cases, it

may even be stressful. If the activity is fun and the group is supportive, it can go a long way

toward overcoming this type of emotional obstacle.

Autistic Adults

By Ella Rain

Autistic adults are valuable members of their communities who face many challenges on a

daily basis. Topics of great concern include education, living arrangements, careers, and

community involvement.

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Education

Many adults with autism thrive in their fields of interest. Vocational training and college

courses can help the individual develop new skills while working with his strengths. While

the subject may be highly motivational, many higher education programs fall short of

meeting the needs of people on the autism spectrum.

Higher EducationContacting the learning institution about the student's condition is ideal. An accommodation

letter to the university or college is a great approach. This sample letter is a nice model to

use. The letter includes details about the classroom setting, the individual's possible

behaviors, and accommodations that yield the best results.

Life Skills and Living AccommodationsEveryday tasks that many people take for granted can be extremely challenging for

individuals with autism. Occupational therapy for autism and physical therapy may progress

well into adulthood. The ability to develop life skills is an important aspect of determining

the best living arrangements.

Living accommodations vary according to the individual's specific needs. Some are quite

capable of living alone while others may require constant supervision. Group homes, family

dwellings and institutions are typical options for adults with autism. The spectrum is wide

and living arrangements are made on an individual basis.

ABC News created a great feature that beautifully answers the question, "What living

arrangements are realistic options for adults with autism spectrum disorders?"

The National Institute of Mental Health has created a detailed list of options individuals with

autism and their families may consider. You'll find them near the bottom of a very long yet

informative article.

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a General Education Diploma (GED) as well as programs for employment including skill

assessment and work-based skills certification.

Workplace Accommodations

Autistic adults are terrific candidates for countless careers. The first step is to determine

which careers for people with autism piques the individual's interests. Some employers are

more than willing to hire people on the spectrum. It is important that employers make the

proper accommodations for employees who have pervasive developmental disorders.

Job Accommodation NetworkJob Accommodation Network is a project developed by the Office of Disabilities

Employment Policyfrom the United States Department of Labor. This organization includes

resources for adults with autism as well as their employers.

JAN includes SOAR, the Searchable Online Accommodation Resource. This feature

provides a list of frequently requested products for individuals with cognitive and

neurological impairments.

Community Services for Autistic Adults

Community Services for Autistic Adults and Children  provides excellent support

and guidance for adults on the spectrum including:

o Skill assessment

o Job coaches

o Education for neurotypical coworkers

o Training

o Workplace safety

o Public transportation skill development

More information is available on the CSAAC website and in its brochure.

SARRC

The Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center is a prime example of an

organization dedicated to improving lives of people affected by autism spectrum

disorders. Among the many services provided by the SARRC are programs for

autistic adults. Services include:

Vocational and Life Skills Training

o Community Works is a community-based vocational training

program.

o Vocational Life Skills Academy provides instruction and guidance for

determining fields of interest. The program also helps teenagers and

young adults develop work-related skills.

o Opus West Vocational and Life Skills Academy offers skill

development programs for individuals 13 years and older with an

emphasis on community involvement.

SARRC is a wonderful model of the ideal organization dedicated to helping

families affected by autism spectrum disorders, including autistic adults.

Autism Source

Autism Source is a directory provided by the Autism Society of America. Simply

enter information into the site's Autism Source Search Page to find local services

and programs for autistic adults.

Autistic Adults and Empathy Adults diagnosed on the autism spectrum offer the most valuable information

about pervasive developmental disorders. Those who are able to communicate

their experiences provide a glimpse into the conditions, often negating many

stereotypes associated with autism. Among the most important is empathy.

While some assert that individuals on the spectrum lack empathy, this is merely

an illusion. Their outward responses do not always represent their thoughts,

beliefs and emotions.

Social Skills Activities for Kids with Autism

By Kate Miller-Wilson

From using and understanding nonverbal communication to initiating an interaction with

peers, social skills can be extremely challenging for children with autism spectrum

disorders (ASD). In fact, since social skills challenges are one of the defining diagnostic

criteria of ASD, they are a core area of focus for many therapists, parents, and teachers.

Fortunately, there are many fun activities that can help children learn to interact socially.

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Five Printable Social Skills Activities

Because many children on the spectrum are great visual learners, printable activities can

be very effective in teaching social skills. Try one of these five fun printables to see if it

becomes a new favorite.

Sharing Social Story

Print the sharing story.

A social story is a great way to explain the intricacies of sharing toys, something that may

not come naturally to children with autism. This activity combines a story about sharing with

fun coloring pages for children to enjoy. It is ideal for verbal and non-verbal preschoolers

and young elementary kids.

Here's how to use this social story activity:

1. Click on the image of the printable and download it to your computer.

2. Print out the desired number of copies.

3. Create a small book out of the pages to the story.

4. Read through the story with kids, talking about how each character feels.

5. After reading, give kids crayons so they can color the pictures.

Facial Expressions Decoded

Print the facial expression decoding activity.

Non-verbal communication, and especially facial expressions, can be an area of major

challenge for children with autism. Instead of focusing on the facial expression as a whole,

it may be easier for kids to systematize the parts of the face that make the expression. In

addition, practicing their own facial expressions can help them communicate effectively with

peers. This activity works well for verbal or non-verbal kids of any age.

Here's how to use it:

1. Click on the image of the printable and download it to your computer.

2. Print out as many copies as you need.

3. Hand the copies out to kids. For those who can't yet read, have a

paraprofessional or aide work directly with the child.

4. Give each child a small mirror.

5. Work together to practice reading and mimicking the various facial expressions.

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Printable Conversation Starter Cards

Print the conversation starter cards.

Initiating a conversation can be tricky, especially for children with autism. It can help to

have a few ideas on hand about how to start a conversation with a peer. These printable

conversation starter cards also make a great in-class or at-home activity. Kids can practice

with teachers and parents to perfect their skills. This activity is best for verbal, older

elementary and middle school kids.

Here's how to use this printable:

1. Click on the image of the conversation cards and download the file to your

computer.

2. Print the desired number of copies.

3. Cut out the cards and punch a hole through the corner. Tie them together with a

piece of yarn. For extra durability, consider laminating the cards.

4. Have the child select a card to use and ask you the question on it. Respond as a

peer might.

5. Pair children up to practice the conversations on the cards.

Shades of Truth Worksheet

Print the shades of truth worksheet.

Children with autism often think in absolutes, and this can be a social challenge when it

comes to truth-telling. This worksheet helps kids understand situations where telling the

complete truth may not be appropriate. This activity requires kids to be able to read, so it's

best for verbal or non-verbal children in later elementary school or middle school.

Here's how to use it:

1. Click on the worksheet and download it to your computer.

2. Print the desired number of copies.

3. Pass the worksheet out to kids.

4. You can discuss each situation as you go through the worksheet together.

Keep It On Topic Game

Print the social game.

Keeping the conversation on topic can be especially challenging for children with ASD. This

game makes learning this skill fun. It's best for elementary school or older and requires kids

to be verbal.

Here's how to play:

1. Click on the image and download the file.

2. Print the desired number of copies. You'll need one for each pair of kids.

3. Cut out the red and green tokens.

4. Pair the children into groups of two. The goal for each group is to have an on-

topic conversation. You provide the topic.

5. Kids take turns in conversation about the provided topic.

6. Each time a child says something that's on topic, he or she receives a green light

token. Each time a child says something that's off topic, he or she gets a red

light.

7. Conversation continues until you run out of green light tokens or the decide to

stop the game. The child with the most green light tokens is the winner.

More Fun Social Skills Activities

Whether you're a teacher focusing on social skills or a parent trying to help your child

succeed, there are lots of fun activities that can help. Try some of these ideas.

Form a BandMaking noise is a fun way to interact together, and you can turn it into a social skills-

focused activity about reading adult cues. This game is great for preschoolers. Here's how

to play:

1. Gather up several instruments and give one to each child.

2. Explain that you'll be creating music together but that not everyone can play at

once.

3. Instruct children to wait for you to point at them before they start playing. Tell

them to stop playing when you point and shake your head.

4. Sit in a circle with the kids, and practice the pointing and head-shaking cues in

addition to the music.

Act It OutFor older kids, interactive games like charades can be fun. You can give this activity a

social skills focus. Here's what to do:

1. Brainstorm simple social situations and emotions.

2. Write these ideas on slips of paper. Put all the papers in a bucket.

3. Have each child draw a piece of paper out of the bucket and act out what it says.

The rest of the group can guess.

Changing the StoryThis creative activity is great for older kids, and it's a perfect way to focus on difficult peer

interactions like bullying and peer pressure. Here's how to play:

1. Describe a problem scenario to the child or group of kids. It's best to choose

something they may encounter in daily life.

2. Have kids brainstorm ways to respond. Write down all ideas and don't engage in

discussion until everyone has had a chance to share.

3. Discuss which of the ideas are most likely to help.

4. Have kids vote on how they would finish the story.

Moving Toward Social Success

No matter which activity you choose, working directly on social skills is a great way to

improve a child's quality of life. Like everyone, children with autism want to interact with

others. Having the right tools and enough practice can go a long way toward social

success.

Social Games for Children with PDD

Hide and Seek is a great social game.

By Kate Miller-Wilson

Children naturally learn through play, but kids on the autism spectrum often need to learn

how to play the way typical kids learn math or reading. If you're a parent or teacher of a

child with a pervasive developmental disorder (PDD), you may be able to use games to

improve the child's social skills. Games are very appealing because they have structure

and rules, but they are also enjoyable. 

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Teaching with Games

If you've spent any length of time working with kids on the spectrum, you've probably

noticed that it can be difficult to capture and hold their attention. Many therapists and

educators notice that children with autism often "have their own agenda." Kids with PDD

are often focused on what interests them, and it can be very challenging to try to distract

them from these limited topics.

Fortunately, you can use games to insert yourself into kids' play routines. Games are a

great way to make learning fun for children with PDD, and they can be extremely effective

at teaching social skills. Because the child is getting enjoyment out of the experience, he or

she is more likely to stick with the interaction for a longer period.

Setting GoalsBefore you select a social skills game for a child with PDD, it's important to decide on goals

and objectives. Depending on their age and developmental level, kids on the spectrum

frequently struggle with some of the following social challenges:

Taking turns

Making small talk

Reading facial expressions

Understanding figures of speech

Getting someone's attention

Maintaining a conversation

Involving themselves in peers' play

Taking another's perspective

Choose one or two areas of focus, and then select a game that helps with these

challenges. Some games may work on several social challenges, and these can be great

choices if you're working with a group of kids. However, it may be necessary to begin with

short one-to-one play sessions before moving on to group games. In some cases, children

on the spectrum follow other children's behaviors, which can be very beneficial when

working in groups, but you may have to work up to playing in groups gradually. 

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Examples of Social Games for Children with PDD

Countless games effortlessly develop social skills in normal children, and they can be

applicable to kids with pervasive developmental disorders as well. Board games, for

example, address a number of different skills, including taking turns, listening and watching

for other people's cues. Each of these skills play a role in the fundamental give-and-take

nature of social interaction.

The following classic children's games address social issues that can be challenging for

many kids, even those who aren't on the spectrum. Consider incorporating neurotypical

peers into the game so kids with PDD can have models for their behavior after they master

basic skills. 

Hide and SeekThis game has been around for centuries, and there is good reason for its longevity. This

game is just plain fun, and it's a fabulous way to teach some important social concepts.

Kids with PDD can use Hide and Seek to learn about taking turns and understanding other

kids' perspectives.

To play this game with a socially-challenged child, you'll need to be very involved. The child

with PDD can start with the role of hiding. Talk about how the seeking child might or might

not be able to see the PDD child. This will help with the concept of perspective-taking.

When the child gets a turn at being the seeker, talk about turn taking.

Go FishGo Fish is a fun and easy card game that can teach turn-taking while facilitating

conversation. Kids with PDD can learn how to ask for specific information and they can

learn how to answer questions appropriately. You can create your own version of Go Fish

that focuses on language, idioms and expressions that may be challenging for kids on the

spectrum.

For example, make your own Go Fish cards with phrases like "hit the road" or "raining cats

and dogs." In order to receive the card he or she needs, the child will need to tell you how

this expression may be used in conversation. This is a very advance game, and some kids

may merely use rote memorization to form their responses. 

Who Am I?You may have played a variation of Who Am I at a party. This is another game that is ideal

for children with high functioning developmental disorders. To play, you can tape a note to

the forehead of each child. On the note, write the name of an emotion. The child will not

know which emotion is taped to his head, so he'll need to interact with other kids to find out.

In addition to asking questions about the various emotions, kids can try acting them out.

This gives socially-challenged kids a chance to practice interpreting facial expressions, and

it's also a great way to help them understand conversational turn-taking. Add visual aids

like pictures to prompt the child for correct responses. 

Social Games for Autistic Children

While many traditional games inherently offer help in developing social skills, some are

designed specifically for kids on the spectrum. 

Ryuu  is a video game that uses dragons to grasp attention while serving as a

tool to develop important social skills. 

Children Succeed  offers many games for kids on the spectrum that focus on

interactions. 

Story Time Felts  are sensory-friendly toys that promote imaginative play and

social skills. 

Making Your Own Games

Working with kids on the spectrum can help you realize how a game like Peek-a-Boo is

really a life less in object permanence and social interaction. Consider creating a social

game around a child's special interest, such as trains or astronomy. This will ensure you

capture and keep the child's attention throughout the game. Work with your child's

treatment team to develop ideas for activities and games that can help meet the goals and

objectives outlined in the treatment plan. 

Worksheets for Autistic Children

Learn more about adaptive worksheets.

By Kate Miller-Wilson

Since many children on the autism spectrum are visual learners, worksheets can be a very

effective way to teach concepts. However, it can be difficult to find worksheets for autistic

children that specifically target the issues that are most challenging. These free, printable

worksheets from LoveToKnow are designed around the three diagnostic criteria for autism:

communication challenges, impairments in social skills, and problematic behaviors.

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Worksheets for Communication

According to the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical

Manual (DSM-IV), children on the autism spectrum typically display impairments in their

communication skills. Depending on a child's age and functioning level, these challenges

may affect his or her life in a number of ways. Communication difficulties can create social

and behavior challenges, since autisic children may become frustrated when they are

unable to request what they need in a social or practical interaction. Worksheets can help

improve a child's communication skills and lessen the impact of these challenges.

What Does My Body Say?

What Does My Body Say?

For children on the autism spectrum, nonverbal communication can be especially difficult.

They may have trouble interpreting the facial expressions and gestures of other children,

which can lead to social and emotional difficulties. Specifically teaching the meaning of

common gestures can help when kids encounter those movements in their daily lives.

This worksheet shows children performing different common gestures. The autistic child

can draw a line from the gesture to the meaning of the gesture. For children who cannot

read, you may need to state the gesture meaning out loud. As you work with the child, you

can discuss the situations where he or she may encounter this type of gesture and the

appropriate response to the gesture.

What Should I Say?

What Should I Say?

Functional communication, or verbally expressing wants and needs, can be very difficult for

children with autism. Often, kids will simply become frustrated because their needs have

not been met, even though they haven't communicated those needs to someone who can

help. Working on functional communication can give a child the verbal skills he or she

needs to request items or activities.

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This worksheet shows children with obvious practical needs or wants. Examine the picture

with the autistic child, and then have the child write or say what the person in the picture

needs to communicate. You can work with the child to refine the phrasing of the statement

to make it clear. Talk about how the child might use these phrases in his or her daily life.

Worksheets for Social Skills

Social skills impairments affect most children on the spectrum. Many therapists believe

these difficulties are partly due to the Theory of Mind. This is the idea that autistic children

struggle with the concept of perspective. They may have difficulty imagining themselves in

another child's place. Worksheets that focus on shared attention and perspective can be

tremendously helpful.

What Am I Looking At?

What Am I Looking At?

One social challenge many children on the spectrum encounter is following another

person's eye gaze. This is called shared attention. Often, these children may not notice that

someone is looking at an object. If asked what another person is looking at, the child may

imagine that the other person is looking at the same thing he or she is.

This worksheet focuses on eye gaze. In each picture, the child is looking at one of several

objects. The autistic child can draw a line from the person's eyes to the object that person

is looking at. Since no reading is involved in this worksheet, you can use it with children

who have not yet learned to read.

How Do I Feel?

How Do I Feel?

Part of taking another person's perspective is understanding how that person may be

feeling emotionally in a situation. First, the child needs to assess the situation, and then he

or she needs to pretend to be in that situation. This can be very difficult for children on the

autism spectrum. However, having social relationships with peers requires this type of

emotional perspective-taking.

This worksheet involves interpreting a picture and assigning emotions to the child in the

picture. Talk about the picture with the child. Have the child describe what he or she sees,

and then ask them to say or write how the person in the picture feels. For children who are

unable to write, you can verbally go through the worksheet.

Worksheets for Behavior

Repetitive or problematic behaviors are another diagnostic criteria for autism. While

stimming behaviors like hand flapping or rocking don't lend themselves to worksheets,

other behaviors do. Printable worksheets that focus on appropriate behaviors can help

autistic children function in the home or classroom.

Make a Mad Plan

Make a Mad Plan

Anger is a difficult emotion for any child, but for autistic children, it can be nearly

insurmountable. Many children struggle with how to express their anger or process the

feelings before they react with inappropriate behaviors. For some, verbalizing their feelings

may be challenging. For others, controlling impulses can be difficult. Having a clear plan for

handling anger can be very helpul.

This worksheet is designed to help kids create a plan for dealing with their anger. All of the

methods on this sheet are socially appropriate ways for autistic children to manage their

feelings. Talk to the child about choosing a few of these options, and then practice how the

child might put this plan into place with peers.

Goal for the Week

Goal for the Week

Everyone works better when there's a clear goal, and autistic children are no exception. In

fact, many children on the spectrum love the idea of working towards something, especially

if they can see and understand their progress. Additionally, if they can see a visual

representation of the goal itself, they are even more likely to feel encouraged and

motivated.

This worksheet focuses on a weekly goal, which you can display in picture form. When a

child does something that moves him or her toward the goal, you can place a sticker or

check mark on that section of the worksheet. Encourage the child to check the sheet on a

regular basis to help keep the goal in mind throughout the week.

Tips for Auditory Learners

While most autistic children learn visually, some are strong auditory learners or have visual

processing problems. If you are working with a child who learns by hearing, try some of

these tips for using the worksheets:

Read all text out loud.

Describe the pictures in words.

Verbally ask the child questions about the worksheets.

Use vocabulary with which the child is comfortable.

Allow time for the child to process this auditory information.

Other Resources for Worksheets

Keep in mind that the worksheets don't have to be created specifically for children on the

autism spectrum; they simply have to meet your criteria while addressing your child's

needs. Following are some ideas to consider organized by subject.

ReadingReading activities can improve communication skills while building vocabulary. The ability

to read builds on basic sequencing skills. Some resources to consider include the following:

Phonics worksheets  can be extremely enjoyable for kids on the autism spectrum,

especially if they are motivated by music.

Printable reading logs  help parents, educators and kids keep track of their

reading progress. Encourage your child to talk about some of the stories listed on

the log after each book is finished.

Check LoveToknow's Children's Books channel for more free printables and

downloads for kids.

Math SkillsPrintable math worksheets may be educational in nature, but some children on the

spectrum love counting, adding, and math puzzles. You can use math activities for

sequencing, and these skills are integral to many other activities, including games

and music.

Life SkillsWorksheets can help with life skills and fine motor development. In addition, worksheet-

based tasks can help build other critical skills required for daily living.

Handwriting worksheets  can help struggling writers achieve success. Some of

the worksheets allow parents and educators to create their own activities, and

choosing topics that the child finds interesting can be very motivating.

Printable chore charts  can help make daily chores clearly defined. Some kids

may benefit from having a "Check Your Chore Chart" space in their daily

schedules.

FunWorksheets for autistic children can include fun activities that are very motivating.

Everything from printable puzzles to travel games are available at no cost. Check

LoveToKnow's Kids channel for fun printable worksheets for kids.

Homeschooling ResourcesParents and teachers working with children on the autism spectrum can benefit from

researching homeschooling resources. LoveToKnow's Homeschooling channel offers a

generous list of resources that may come in handy.

Praise the Child

In addition to reinforcing communication, social, and behavioral concepts, worksheets for

autistic children can be fun too. Be sure to praise the child for his or her successes,

however small they may appear. This positive attitude is just as important as learning tools

like worksheets.