SOCIAL SKILLS IN SCHOOL-AGE-CHILDREN AND YOUTH - ISSUES AND BEST PRACTICES IN ASSESSMENT AND INTERVENTION

Social skills allow individuals to develop positive relationships with others; cope successfully with the behavioral demands of specific settings; and communicate desires, needs, and preferences effectively. They also provide a foundation for competent performance in a range of academic, personal, vocational, and community contexts. Effective communication is an essential component of appropriate social behavior. This article provides definitions and conceptualizations of social skills and social competence within academic contexts. It also describes social skills assessment and intervention procedures for school-age children and youth with and without disabilities.