Friendships Matter:

Socialization Strategy Sampler

Sarah Schwegel, Kirkland, Mo., and friends leave school for the day. Photo by David Kennedy

Interventions, accommodations and modifications may be written into a child’s IEP, or agreed upon informally. Some strategies that help children improve social skills and friendships include:

• physical accessibility in the classroom and other areas where socialization naturally occurs
• classroom presentations about the disease, assistive equipment and ways students can be helpful
• friendship clubs run by a teacher or counselor that address social skills
• cooperative learning groups, in which students work together on projects
• modified rules for games, so all can participate
• a course in self-advocacy, to help students gain confidence and speak up for their needs

Don’t forget those things that can be done after school as well. Volunteer activities, clubs, scouts, sports, arts, religious youth groups, MDA summer camp and other activities also help kids gain independence, develop social skills and learn more about themselves.

See also:

• Building IEPs That Build Social Relationships
• Mediation Required in Special Ed Disputes
• A New IDEA
• Beating the Bully Problem Quest Vol. 12, No. 2