What are People or Social Communication Skills?

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Social communication and pragmatic language refer to how we use our language to connect with other people. For many people, with social communication differences, such as autism or ADHD, this can feel like a struggle. You may feel misunderstood, left out and anxious in social situations. 

 

Please know that there is nothing inherently wrong with any type of communication style!

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We do not teach masking, i.e., trying “seem neurotypical”. Instead, we work individually or in groups to empower and provide opportunities for you to explore your own communication, learn about neurotypical communication styles and norms, learn how to establish positive peer relationships and how to advocate for yourself.  We trust you to know who you are and who you want to be and will support you as you build skills that feel authentic. Self advocacy skills are at the core of everything we discuss. 

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We are trained in established and evidence-based programs, such as Social Thinking, UCLA’s PEERS® Social Skills Program and AUsome Training. However, our program is approached from the participants’ perspective with respect for their communication style.

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Some People Skills that may be addressed depending on your needs:

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• Difficulty reading or understanding other people

• Confusion about the seemingly “unwritten rules” of the social-professional world

• Social anxiety stemming from uncertainty about how to interact with people

• Difficulty making meaningful, lasting personal connections

• Feeling like people just don’t make sense to you

• Difficulty with small talk and conversation in general

• Being unsure of how to make friends

• Feeling like people misunderstand you frequently