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Defining Social Skills

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Handbook of Social Behavior and Skills in Children

Part of the book series: Autism and Child Psychopathology Series ((ACPS))

Abstract

A variety of definitions and methods of assessing social deficits and excesses have been developed. While the specifics of definitions may vary, the two most common threads throughout these definitions involve communication and interaction with others, and they enable the individual to function competently at social tasks. This chapter summarizes current and historical definitions of social skills, identifies and discusses social skill behavior as a key component in various DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition) diagnoses [e.g., Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder, autism spectrum disorder], and provides a discussion of how social skills is operationalized in various norm reference measures (e.g., Social Skills Improvement System, Behavior Assessment System for Children, Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Childhood Autism Rating Scale).

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Walden University, Minneapolis, MN, USA

    Steven G. Little

  2. Phoenix, AZ, USA

    John Swangler

  3. Akin-Little and Little Behavioral Psychology Consultants, Malone, NY, USA

    Angeleque Akin-Little

Authors
  1. Steven G. Little
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  2. John Swangler
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  3. Angeleque Akin-Little
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Correspondence to Steven G. Little .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA

    Johnny L. Matson

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Little, S.G., Swangler, J., Akin-Little, A. (2017). Defining Social Skills. In: Matson, J. (eds) Handbook of Social Behavior and Skills in Children . Autism and Child Psychopathology Series. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-64592-6_2

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