A blog for anyone who needs to know they are not alone in raising a bipolar child.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Social Skills
I think one of the biggest areas that Caroline must really work on is her social skills. When she enters any conversation, she immediately tells larger than life stories about her accomplishments, and seems very focused on herself. She doesn't seem to get the give and take of chatting. Tomorrow when she sees her therapist we will be talking about how we can practice this skill in her office and at home so that when she is in a social situation she doesn't turn people off with her tall tales and non-stop monologue. I know this is part of the disorder, but I think it can be worked on and improved. I worry that if we don't help her with this now, she will carry it into adulthood and never be able to have a real conversation with people. Sometimes this reminds me of Aspergers and I can see how she could be borderline.
that is something that concerns me with my daughter as well. she doesn't seem to understand the concept of not interrupting with questions about the conversation (that doesn't usually involve her). it is so important to help our kids learn good social skills and cues now so that as an adult people don't groan when they walk into a room. let us know if you come up with some good ideas about how to achieve this.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean! My daughter has terrible social skills, and whenever we try to work with her on it we hit the brick wall. They are going to try to do some things at her school but, we'll see.
ReplyDeleteThere is so much overlap between Asperger's and Bipolar, its so hard to tell sometimes. I also know that sometimes they go hand in hand. We're actually thinking that our daughter may be on the spectrum somewhere too. But girls present so differently than boys so sometimes its harder to see.
ReplyDeleteI see that in Elizabeth as well. Not so much tall tales, but constant talking and often about herself.
ReplyDeleteMegan,
ReplyDeleteFor kiddos like ours it is the 'reciprocal' conversation - Knowing when to ask questions, to stay on the topic another has choosen, and to participate in the give and take that is usually lacking.
This is huge for us.
If it makes you feel better though, my son's opening line when he really wants to impress someone is, "Do you know about the Gluten Free diet?" Yeah, no 10 year old boys are into that. And, for the record, we are NOT Gluten free here. LOL
There are MANY social skills groups in most areas, it might be a good idea to put her through formal classes. Gabe did it, and it was wonderful for him. :)
Hartley
www.hartleysboys.com
Michele Garcia Winner has some wonderful social skill materials - her website www.socialthinking.com also has links to providers.
ReplyDelete