Social Skills is Canceled

Social filter and social fake

Once upon a time, there were autistic, ADHD, and anxious students who struggled with thinking about others during conversations. Sometimes they would say things that hu

Using our social memory

Once upon a time, there were autistic, ADHD, and anxious students who didn't know how to initiate a social conversation with someone that they knew. Some students weren

Group vs alone behaviors

Once upon a time, there were autistic, ADHD, and anxious students who didn’t recognize that there were some things that should be ‘alone behaviors’, or things we do whenw

Let's talk about something else

Once upon a time, there were autistic, ADHD, and anxious kids and teens who struggled with staying on topic during a conversation. Some of the kids in this group contin

Before we can be friends

Once upon a time, there were autistic, ADHD, and anxious students who didn't know that there are stages or levels between strangers and friends.  Sometimes these student

Show and Tell

Once upon a time, there were autistic, ADHD, and anxious students who struggled to notice the interests of others and to use that information to help them form connection

How to be friendly

Once upon a time, there were students who struggled to create a reputation for being friendly. Some students didn't notice when other people wanted or needed something,

Why are you laughing?

Once upon a time, there were students who struggled to notice the feedback they got when they were trying to be funny or silly. Some students said or did the same thing

How our kids can get what they need

Once upon a time, there were students who struggled with asking for help. Some of the students never asked for help because they thought it made them look dumb, and loo

The most important relationship there is

Once upon a time, there were students who struggled with the most important relationship there is. This affected their self esteem, which caused them to be more vulnerabl

Wise guy, huh?

Once upon a time, there were autistic, ADHD, and anxious students who wanted a reputation for being smart, but weren't sure how to get it. Some students said and did th

Where do I even begin?

Once upon a time, there were autistic, ADHD, and anxious students who didn't know how to start a conversation. Some students wanted to talk to other people, but didn't

What does it all mean?

Once upon a time, there were students who struggled to understand what people mean by what they say, and what people intend with their actions and their words. Some stu

To apologize, or not to apologize?

Once upon a time, there were autistic, ADHD, and anxious students who struggled to receive social feedback from others. Some students believed receiving social feedback

Friend, or just friend-shaped?

Once upon a time, there were autistic, ADHD, and anxious students who struggled to understand friendship. They struggled with concepts like: What is a friend? What isn't

Joining a conversation

Once upon a time, there were autistic, ADHD, and anxious students who struggled when it came to joining a conversation. Some students interrupted others or asked things

Social skills is canceled... again!

My book, "Social Skills is Canceled", is here! The chapter book tells the story of three students: Circle, Triangle, and Square. Each faces unique social challenges based

Starfish Summer Camp week 5 recap (days 3 and 4)

Summer is coming to an end! I'm feeling mixed emotions about that, how about you?   This week's podcast/YouTube episode is the final one about summer camp. We had an

Starfish Summer Camp week 5 recap (days 1 and 2)

One of my biggest objectives with my students is helping them understand how other people think and feel. The topic of farting is actually a great way to make this point.

Starfish Summer Camp week 4 recap (days 3 and 4)

I sometimes get asked how I decide what to focus on with my students at Starfish. How do I decide what to support them with and what to leave alone?   I focus on two th