Social Skills, Starting to Work on Appropriate Greetings

I have been reading short social stories this past week that I typed on "Writing With Symbols" to begin the process of teaching Samuel's to greet others in a more socially acceptable manner. One day I had him read about how we might go about greeting people we do not know. I wrote the story to say, "Usually we do not need to ask people we do not know what their name is." Later that afternoon he exited the car at soccer practise, immediately went up to a woman he did not know, and said, "hello, what is your name?"

Like I mentioned in the comments of my last post, I am afraid that if I point out to Samuel how sad (or otherwise uncomfortable ) his questions and comments might make others feel, he will just add the question "Did I make you sad?" I have to teach Samuel only in positive terms, guiding and teaching him in terms of what he SHOULD do, not in terms of what he SHOULD NOT DO.

We attended a wedding yesterday. Samuel came along to the reception and got along nicely during the entire event with his helper. His new question, after saying hello, was, "Are you married?" Yikes! Once again, I am grateful that so far people have been very understanding and patient with him!

I just got Dr. Gutstein's book in the mail "Autism Asperger's: Solving the Relationship Puzzle" and am reading it as fast as I can so we can begin some RDI activities!

Time to Polish the Social Skills a Bit!

Just when I think it is not possible to feel any busier than I already have been, I reach a new pinnacle! Recently this has come about because two of my sons started playing soccer and I actually have had a few social events to attend (after a rather sparse past year of socializing). I suppose the water pouring out of my living room ceiling (from a poorly built shower above it) and the resulting needed repairs have contributed to this as well.

Anyways, my 10 year old and 5 year old sons are playing soccer. They participate in a league of children educated at home and, thankfully, they only have practise once a week, both at the same time, and there are only a minimal number of games that involve travel. For the first time, well, ever (!!!), I have been able to take Samuel along to the practise field where I hang around for the 2 hours his brothers practise. I had to do this a few weeks ago because my in-home helper was not able to make it that afternoon and my husband could not take the boys because of obligations at work.

I made up a visual schedule of what we would do during practise. It wasn't really anything all that special, I just made sure we moved to a new location every 30 to 45 minutes. Part of the time we walked down to see his older brother play, we spent some time in the car and had a snack, and then we spent some time on a playset (swings, slide, "fort"). Yes, nine year old Samuel stood out a bit on the playset, but he was content so I didn't mind! While we walked from field to field Samuel kicked around his own soccer ball and tried talking to EVERYONE!

On the subject of talking to EVERYONE, I realize that we need take a step forward in conversation social skills! Here is one example: People that Samuel does not know come sit behind us at church, Samuel turns around and says, "Hello, are you old?" Or, "Hello, are you a man? " (This to a woman with short hair!) Does anyone have any suggestions for social skills lessons that are just a bit beyond the basics? I have a Carol Gray book about Social Stories (pictured here )and will look at her site to see if she might have anything more advanced, but I want to see if there is anything else.