Pro-neurodiversity Speech Therapy: Why I don't teach social skills

[@lillypilly6440]

I am autistic and have ADHD and feel social skills is part of safety and also I don't want to be hurting other peoples feelings by not having a filter. I also have to interact with others for survival and and I am glad that I have learnt a lot of these skills.

[@mugflub]

I teach social skills. I frame it as, "if you want to have an impact on the reactions people have to you, this is how you can do it." I always make sure it sound like I'm giving them a tool they can choose to use if desired rather than telling them their way of doing things is inherently "wrong."

[@RNA0ROGER]

On a personal level I have an underlying policy of emulation as required. Obey the rules of social interaction, understand where required the conventions you must obey. It's masking except without having to expend a stupid amount of energy in method acting but in principal it's often all that is required in the interest of personal advancement.As for the underlying abilities of the average person to understand much in the way of anything I deeply doubtful of. We live in a rather messed up society and being the other if you take one look at revealed preference is a good way to wind up in a death camp. I entirely agree with the spirit of your thesis as I understand it, but beware when it comes into contact with reality.

[@mugflub]

I agree with this 100%

[@anapineu]

This is a fabulous resource and a challenge to help one to question themselves about their own stance, beliefs and professional practice. One request - is there a way to have close captioning in these videos? It would be so helpful to support comprehension, as I'd love to share this with families whose first language is not English. Thanks so much!

[@BryonyRust]

Hey, thanks so much for your feedback. Absolutely - I will get captions up and running on this.

[@Alive2_2Baldworm]

You are such a great educator. I had not thought about it this way. So interesting.

[@ThereseJohnson-y2r]

Hi Bryony, I love listening to you :) I'm just curious regarding not teaching social skills. I fully respect and also believe and practice in making as many accommodations as required for any student / child in both the school and home environments. However, am just need clarification regarding the social skills component. Our autistic children and children with an ADHD are often so motivated in wanting to establish and maintain social connections with others, and there has been always a big focus on supporting their flexible thinking, self monitoring and empathy. Are you saying we should now not be focused on this and embrace these differences even though the impact on their mental health, self-esteem and relationships is so significant? Without explicitly teaching children these skills, how do you suggest we go about supporting their own goals of having successful social connections and minimising the anxiety experienced of not knowing what to do? Do you still feel so strongly about Michele Garcia's work of social thinking as she continues to encourage her programs to teach social skills to neurodiverse children? Thank you so much for this clarification.

[@BryonyRust]

Hi Therese. In an ideal world I'd like education/therapy to support all children with flexible thinking, self monitoring and empathy, rather than expecting the minority group to learn to make all the extra efforts and adjustments. If we work with particular children who want to make more social connections, I'm not convinced that the best way to do this is by teaching them specific rules. That said, a speech therapist is often in the role of helping children to understand the world around them and I think that specific vocabulary and concepts can help us to do that.

[@nourmohamed2401]

I've just read an article about perceptions of friendship between autistic and non-autistic young adults. And yeah, it's a good time to watching your video. Thanks for this conversation and wants more.

[@BryonyRust]

I'm glad it was good timing for you. I'm planning more videos for future; thanks for your encouragement. :)

[@lindsaynorth2485]

Very timely! I've literally this morning opened my autistic son's latest SaLT report and plan, and been very disconcerted to see a 'social skills group' recommended to the school. My ex-speechie friend has shared this with me and I might share it with school to explain why I'll be declining this kind of intervention, if that's OK?

[@BryonyRust]

Of course, you're welcome to share. If you're thinking about a whole school approach, then you might be interested in the LEANS project: salvesen-research.ed.ac.uk/leans

[@daniagirl1]

Thanks for this video! I am wondering: How would you handle if a child/teenager expresses wanting to make more friends? Do you work on social skills in this sense?

[@JaneBoyd]

Yes! We so need to be having these conversations!

[@BryonyRust]

Thanks Jane. :)

[@vcat417]

You are like me , I guess , “don’t judge me by my hair” kinda person. I love what you do.

[@BryonyRust]

Yeah feels like the biggest practice is not worrying about being judged!

[@ProudOfMyTown]

I live in an apartment building, and I usually encourage my child (8 yrs old) who is diagnosed with ADHD / ASD to talk to strangers in the lift when he is with me. I am doing this to help him understand social communication. However after watching your video, I'm questioning whether by putting him in this uncomfortable situation I may be making it more difficult for him. How do we understand the difference between pushing your child in difficult situations/scenarios to build resilience/skill, and pushing your child in the same situation, but ending up making them feel worse about themselves in the long run?

[@VultureFight]

Thank you

[@zoelarsen3592]

What an excellent video! You voiced it so well!

[@BryonyRust]

Thanks Zoe!

[@hijabzainab8187]

Hello! It's a good day for you I want to take some information about speech therapist job in your country how can I apply for speech therapist.i am very much interested to learn new ideas.please tell me about this I am from Pakistan.

[@BryonyRust]

Hello! Your best place to start is rcslt.org. Lots of information there about training and working as a SaLT in the UK.