Social Skills Apps?

[Anonymous]

Has anyone come across computer apps for adolescents for social skills development? As electronics seem to be a favorite pastime, maybe we could marry the two! Thanks

[Anonymous]

Try Middle School Confidential: http://www.middleschoolconfidential.com/apps.html

[Anonymous]

Maybe Social Skills Express:
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/app-reviews/the-social-express-ii

[Anonymous]

Oh jeez, the irony.

Seriously would be much better off taking an art class, playing a team sport, or otherwise dealing with people on a human level.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Oh jeez, the irony.

Seriously would be much better off taking an art class, playing a team sport, or otherwise dealing with people on a human level.

Are you speaking from experience related to your child? Please share your child's social challengeS and what specific activities worked for you and why?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Oh jeez, the irony.

Seriously would be much better off taking an art class, playing a team sport, or otherwise dealing with people on a human level.

We will if you will.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Oh jeez, the irony.

Seriously would be much better off taking an art class, playing a team sport, or otherwise dealing with people on a human level.

We will if you will.

I think the point is that apps in general contribute to lack of social skills.

[Anonymous]

Seriously would be much better off taking an art class, playing a team sport, or otherwise dealing with people on a human level.

Yes, maybe for kids who are just a bit socially awkward that would be better. But for children with significant social skills deficits due to special needs, putting them in situations like sports, scouts, etc. benefits them because they enjoy the activity itself, but it does not help them improve their social deficits in any significant way. I'm not saying that the apps are an answer, but your response shows a lack of understanding of these children's' situation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Oh jeez, the irony.

Seriously would be much better off taking an art class, playing a team sport, or otherwise dealing with people on a human level.

We will if you will.

I think the point is that apps in general contribute to lack of social skills.

Says who? The incredibly arrogant PP? Apps can be a tool to help kids learn a concept. Sometimes it's easier for kids to figure out how to respond to social situations when they understand them better. Practice in real life obviously is key, but a social skills app isn't going to hurt.

[Anonymous]

I believe there is support for the idea that social skills stories where kids can pretend they are in a social situation and think about how they might act and then perhaps talk through it with an adult can be a useful tool in helping to develop social skills. Not a replacement for social interaction but a help in being able to deal those interactions. If a kid is going to have screen time, why not make at least some of it into a useful exercise.

Anyone have any more useful app suggestions?

[Anonymous]

We have used the Social Detective and Social Skill Builder apps - info at www.socialskillbuilder.com

There also an app called I Can Have Conversations With You that was kind of a supervision required app (like, best to work through it with a parent).

Also this website lists some sites that researchers have developed...research based is good! http://autism.lovetoknow.com/software-games-children-autism-pdd

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Has anyone come across computer apps for adolescents for social skills development? As electronics seem to be a favorite pastime, maybe we could marry the two! Thanks

OP-- my son is nine (not yet an adolescent). Something helpful that we did was enroll DS in a manners class/summer camp. It helped a bit, and we're going back for more this year. My DS has diagnosed social skills deficits and ADHD. He struggles *a lot* with reading social cues. We have found that good manners go a long way-- especially with adults. Yes, of course we try to teach these things at home, but DS does not really accept feedback from us. DS learned table manners (a big deal), greeting new people, shaking hands, etc. As they get older the camps/classes in our city deal with other things like personal grooming and more advanced manners skills that teens would be expected to know.

I know that you asked for apps, and I'm not trying to tell you that apps won't help. We have an app called "what if" but it's for younger kids. We also use the "Social Skills Workbook." It's also for younger kids but it could help depending on the level of challenge. It goes over things like personal space, asking for help, not interrupting other people, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Has anyone come across computer apps for adolescents for social skills development? As electronics seem to be a favorite pastime, maybe we could marry the two! Thanks

OP-- my son is nine (not yet an adolescent). Something helpful that we did was enroll DS in a manners class/summer camp. It helped a bit, and we're going back for more this year. My DS has diagnosed social skills deficits and ADHD. He struggles *a lot* with reading social cues. We have found that good manners go a long way-- especially with adults. Yes, of course we try to teach these things at home, but DS does not really accept feedback from us. DS learned table manners (a big deal), greeting new people, shaking hands, etc. As they get older the camps/classes in our city deal with other things like personal grooming and more advanced manners skills that teens would be expected to know.

I know that you asked for apps, and I'm not trying to tell you that apps won't help. We have an app called "what if" but it's for younger kids. We also use the "Social Skills Workbook." It's also for younger kids but it could help depending on the level of challenge. It goes over things like personal space, asking for help, not interrupting other people, etc.

Not OP but where was the manners camp?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Has anyone come across computer apps for adolescents for social skills development? As electronics seem to be a favorite pastime, maybe we could marry the two! Thanks

OP-- my son is nine (not yet an adolescent). Something helpful that we did was enroll DS in a manners class/summer camp. It helped a bit, and we're going back for more this year. My DS has diagnosed social skills deficits and ADHD. He struggles *a lot* with reading social cues. We have found that good manners go a long way-- especially with adults. Yes, of course we try to teach these things at home, but DS does not really accept feedback from us. DS learned table manners (a big deal), greeting new people, shaking hands, etc. As they get older the camps/classes in our city deal with other things like personal grooming and more advanced manners skills that teens would be expected to know.

I know that you asked for apps, and I'm not trying to tell you that apps won't help. We have an app called "what if" but it's for younger kids. We also use the "Social Skills Workbook." It's also for younger kids but it could help depending on the level of challenge. It goes over things like personal space, asking for help, not interrupting other people, etc.

Not OP but where was the manners camp?

PP here- I'm sorry- I am a former DCUM. We moved away awhile back. I had it in my draft response. I bet in DC there is an etiquette class or camp for kids. In our area- there is an etiquette class that spans age six through cotillion. In fact I got the idea from a friend who still lives in DC- she sent her kids to manners and eventually cotillion. I scoffed and then realized my DS could use a manners intervention.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Has anyone come across computer apps for adolescents for social skills development? As electronics seem to be a favorite pastime, maybe we could marry the two! Thanks

OP-- my son is nine (not yet an adolescent). Something helpful that we did was enroll DS in a manners class/summer camp. It helped a bit, and we're going back for more this year. My DS has diagnosed social skills deficits and ADHD. He struggles *a lot* with reading social cues. We have found that good manners go a long way-- especially with adults. Yes, of course we try to teach these things at home, but DS does not really accept feedback from us. DS learned table manners (a big deal), greeting new people, shaking hands, etc. As they get older the camps/classes in our city deal with other things like personal grooming and more advanced manners skills that teens would be expected to know.

I know that you asked for apps, and I'm not trying to tell you that apps won't help. We have an app called "what if" but it's for younger kids. We also use the "Social Skills Workbook." It's also for younger kids but it could help depending on the level of challenge. It goes over things like personal space, asking for help, not interrupting other people, etc.

Not OP but where was the manners camp?

NP but my 8 yr old with ASD/ADHD goes to Capital Cotillion but they only meet only occasionally - not something I would rely on to provide training in manners. But it is a great place to put what is learned at home and social skills classes into practice. In my experience, a lot of what is taught in pragmatic language and social skills IS manners.

For the older kids like middle school up, Capitol Cotillion provides a table manners class.