Unpacking Social Skills Goals for Autistic Kids

In this episode of The Spectrum Connection, hosts Jess and Alyce discuss the concept of social skills goals for neurodivergent children. They explore why these goals are often included in NDIS plans and the implications of focusing on making neurodivergent kids more neurotypical. They highlight the importance of understanding and valuing different communication styles and advocate for meeting neurodivergent individuals halfway. The episode also touches upon the mental health impact of masking and the necessity of listening to autistic adults for valuable insights.

Sponsored by The Midnight Gang (www.themidnightgang.com), the podcast provides practical advice for parents navigating this unique journey.

00:00 Introduction to The Spectrum Connection

00:30 Sponsor Message: The Midnight Gang

01:24 Exploring Social Skills as a Goal

03:20 The Double Empathy Problem

04:44 Personal Experiences with Social Skills

08:48 Advocating for Neurodivergent Needs

23:11 Community Feedback and Self-Care

24:27 Conclusion and Farewell