Social and communication skills development & their importance Communication and interaction, verbal and non-verbal, body language, voice tone Help you to progress in life, develop better communication skills, new friendships, people to talk to in difficult times, mental health, work well in teams, lead, influence, motivate, increased happiness Social and communication experiences, challenges I’ve faced, things I’ve learned and obstacles overcome Found making friends easier in junior school. Invited to birthday parties during primary school. Didn’t attend a birthday party after leaving primary school until the age of 18. Challenges and overcoming them Having and initiating conversations Knowing when to join in a conversation Inadvertently offending people Inappropriate questions Asking too many questions too quickly(questions which you know answers to) Eavesdropping Trying too hard to fit it Too many different conversations at the same time Group work - having someone to work with Knowing when somebody has lost interest Advice to improve social and communication skills Speaking only when spoken to Saying something rather than ask a question Eavesdropping - Being told it's more polite to say 'Excuse me' when wanting joining conversation Listening to what others have to say( Understanding others’ points of view) Signs that I was getting better at joining in social situations (underlying improvement) Joining in with students during breaks during one IT course Being out with friends Increased awareness of important events in the wider world Coping Strategies Having quieter areas to calm down and relax during busier and stressful times Doing things that one enjoys Consider smaller groups Never any need for any particular special measures for me - always underlying improvement Further sources of information from my blog https://www. stephensevolution.com/ways-those-with-autism-can-form-and-maintain-friendships/ https://www.stephensevolution.com/how-to-relate-to-someone-with-autism/ https://www.stephensevolution.com/autism-and-bullying/ https://www.stephensevolution.com/autism-and-understanding-sarcasm/ Thanks for listening. You can find me on my website stephensevolution.com, or on twitter here. You can sign up to receive news of new episodes when they're released here. Artwork produced by Elena Designe Music composed by Nela Ruiz