Testimonials
"I am special education teacher who teaches a range of children including children with autism. I have just started using this website as a social skills center in my resource room. It has been great being able to refer to the videos in some of the real life situations we encounter throughout the day. My kids (not just autistic) also really enjoy watching them! The parents I have shared the site have also had appreciated all the site has to offer.
- Stephanie Ann, Special Education Teacher
7 Steps to Use Skill Building Buddies Videos Effectively:
Step 1. Identify the problem or skill that you wish to target (difficulties with sharing, anger management, handling transitions, etc.)
Step 2. Find a skill building video that addresses this need
Step 3. Watch the video with your child
Step 4. Discuss how the scenes in the video apply to your child and family
Step 5. When available, utilize the additional materials and activities related to the skill or behavior on the site
Step 6. Reinforce your child’s skill acquisition and appropriate behaviors and work to generalize these skills to various settings and scenarios in your child’s life
Step 7. Repeat viewings of the videos reinforce skills and assist in generalization
Skill Building Buddies videos are designed to assist parents, educators and therapists in helping children to learn specific skills and appropriate behaviors. While these programs can be effective teaching tools, it is vital to provide practice and support for your child to help learn and maintain these skills.
6 Tips to Help Your Child Learn and Maintain Learned Skills:
Tip 1. It is often helpful to practice social skills in a structured setting before he or she uses the skill in his or hernatural environment.
Tip 2. Structured settings allow you and your child to problem solve various situations, including practicing what to say and how to respond to various overtures by other children.
Tip 3. You can provide your child with feedback in a non-stressful way and allow him or her to explore skills in this area.
Tip 4. Once you feel that your child has mastered a skill with you (or with a cooperative sibling, if appropriate), it may be helpful to set up carefully monitored sessions where your child can practice with a familiar child.
Tip 5. This child should be one who understands your child’s special needs and who has agreed to help him or her practice “being a good friend.”
Tip 6. These practice sessions can occur in a variety of settings, including in the home, at school, and at play areas (such as playgrounds or parks).
Children with autism spectrum disorder tend to learn best through repetition, practice, and planned generalization, and it is important to provide them with these in the social arena.
Make Skill Building Buddies part of your child’s learning day. Everyday!