Traditional social skills training often asks our children to mask—to act "more hearing" or "less autistic."
In Volume 4, we reject compliance in favor of connection. We don't teach "social skills" to make others comfortable; we build authentic relationships that work for the child.
This volume outlines how to support social development that affirms your child's identity rather than erasing it.
Key Concepts in Volume 4:
Theory of Mind (ToM): Addressing the specific delays caused by language deprivation and how to build empathy through "Repair Conversations" rather than forced apologies.
Authenticity Over Conformity: Why we leverage special interests (like trains or coding) as "social bridges" to connect with peers, rather than viewing them as distractions.
The "Batch Files" for Community: Practical scripts for navigating community spaces, peer introductions, and transition planning to reduce anxiety.
Identity & Self-Advocacy: Moving from basic needs ("I want") to advanced advocacy ("I am Deaf Autistic and I need visual supports"). We build a firewall against ableism by fostering pride in an "Integrated Identity."