Learning to develop and maintain friendships is crucial for every child. Many children and adolescents on the Autism spectrum have a difficult time understanding and using social skills. Social skills include everything from initiating and responding to greetings, sharing, turn taking, functional play, cooperative play, initiating and maintaining conversation, understanding others perspectives, understanding non-verbal social cues, expressing emotions appropriately, demonstrating flexibility, and handling frustration and disappointment. During social skills instruction your child receives an abundance of positive reinforcement. The therapist will prompt the child when needed but will fade back and allow the child to interact independently when appropriate interaction is occurring. A fun, upbeat environment is maintained to encourage social engagement and foster friendships.