Social, Friendships and Play
Social Skills Development
Our Approach
At Occupational Therapy Whitsunday we actively and explicitly teach play and Social Thinking ®. We help children explore our social minds to interpret and respond to each other. The children and teens are observed to be more confident with friendships, have better flexibility in thinking, and improved cognitive development.
How does it work?
We provide specific evidence informed curriculum devoted to Social Thinking®. Social Thinking is taught using explicitly developed resources and then practised during play. The Social Thinking methodology enables taking perspective, thinking critically and develops the ability share an imagination and our thoughts with others – all required in successful play, relationships and group/team activities.
At OTW we are experienced in developing tailored Social Stories. Social Stories ® are evidence -based, highly individualized, short stories that depict a social situation or everyday event that a child affected by autism, developmental delay, or learning disability, may find difficult or confusing, thus clearly identifying expected behaviour, solutions and preventing any further anxiety or challenging behaviour on the part of the child.
Steps we take.
Children and teens are assisted to develop social skills using clinically validated, structured and individualised training plan.
The child’s play level is formally assessed and gaps identified and play intervention tailored directly to your child’s age and current play level (any age or diagnosis). We also provide specific support for different strategies underlying imaginative play. This structured program works to get everybody playing.
For older children and teens we further their social capacities by breaking down social interactions and exploring options for different outcomes. Many tweens and teens are interested to know how to participate in group learning and social situations, have conversations, deal with boring moments (including homework), stop blurting, understanding others intentions and to recognise and manage bullies.
We are very excited to now be able to offer social skills development opportunities in a supported small group format.