5 Things You Need to Know About Social Skills Coaching

Dr. Roya Ostovar is an Assistant Professor at Harvard Medical School in the Department of Psychiatry. She is a Clinical Neuropsychologist and the Director for the Center for Neurodevelopmental Services (CNS), a program serving those with Autism Spectrum Disorders, at McLean Hospital, the largest psychiatric affiliate of Harvard Medical School. Dr. Ostovar has been part of the faculty teaching the Developmental Disabilities (child and adult) courses and rotations in the MGH/McLean psychiatry residency program. An internationally recognized expert in the fields of Autism Spectrum Disorders, Non-Verbal Learning Disorder, Social Pragmatics Disorder, Social Skills Coaching, and Sensory Processing Disorder. Dr. Ostovar is the author ofThe Ultimate Guide to Sensory Processing Disorder, which received a Creative Child Magazine's Preferred Choice Award, and the Autism Inventory of Development (AID™) a critical tool used as part of a comprehensive assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorders and Social Pragmatic (Communication) Disorder, both published by Future Horizons. Dr. Krista DiVittore is an Instructor in the department of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. She is a staff clinical psychologist at the Center of Neurodevelopmental Services, a program serving those with Autism Spectrum Disorder at McLean Hospital, the psychiatric teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School. In this role she works directly with children, adolescents, and young adults who have neurodevelopmental disorders, sensory processing issues, and co-occurring psychiatric disorders. Dr. DiVittore teaches social/pragmatic skills and skills to tolerate and manage difficult emotions. Dr. DiVittore's previous work has also included working with children and adults who experienced a variety of psychiatric issues, such as anxiety, mood disorders, and psychosis, all of which impact social interactions and daily functioning. She uses various skills-based modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help individuals master skills that allow them to be more effective and fulfilled in their personal and interpersonal lives.

• Foreword AcknowledgmentsIntroductionWhat Is Social Skills Coaching? Who Is a Social Skills Coach? What Is Social Skills Coaching For?Chapter 1: Social Skills are More Than Scheduling Interpersonal SkillsNon-verbal Communication Self-AwarenessCreating Positive Meaningful Interactions with OthersChapter 2: Social Skills Coaching Is A Frequent, ""High Dose"" Service Frequency and LengthStructure of MeetingsChapter 3: Social Skills Coaching Is Individualized for Everybody Assessing for Social/Pragmatic NeedsMethods Used to Build Social SkillsChapter 4: Social Skills Happens Inside and Outside the Office Social Skills Coaching in the CommunitySocial Skills Coaching with Caregivers, Partners, SchoolsChapter 5: Social Skills Coaching Improves Quality of Life Self-esteemConnecting with Others Anxiety/Depression Occupational/Academic SuccessConclusion