Critical Social Skills for Adolescents with High Incidence Disabilities: Parental Perspectives

Abstract

This qualitative research explored parental views about critical social skills for adolescents with high-incidence disabilities. Parents in this study shared their beliefs that emotional intelligence and character play critical roles in the social and emotional development of their children. Findings indicate that although parents agree that academic performance is important, they want their children to develop skills in two major areas: (a) interpersonal and intrapersonal skills, which include skills such as communicating, listening, interpreting, and discerning; and (b) moral development, which includes areas of character, empathy, and perseverance/motivation.

Validity and Reliability of the Interaction Rating Scale between Children (IRSC) by Using Motion Capture Analysis of Head Movement

“…Social competence may regulate children's behaviors and, ultimately, their developmental trajectory. We examined social competence between children who were focused on specific behaviors, which we expected to reflect cultural and social norms [17].…”

Physical Education for Students with Spina Bifida: Mothers’ Perspectives

“…The importance of social skill development as an educational program outcome was emphasized by the parents (Hamre-Nietupski et al, 1992;Kolb & Hanley-Maxwell, 2003). In the study of Giangreco, Dennis et al (1993b), the benefits of inclusion identified by parents were increasing personal enjoyment and friendship, appreciating individual differences among people, enhancing social/ emotional growth, and broadening their children's personal experiences.…”

Effect of Life Skills Training on Social Skills of Hearing Impaired Students

“…Conventionally, the emphasis on social skills has been overshadowed by academic skills. However, numerous instructors acknowledge the need for an increased emphasis on social skills improvement to promote greater social capabilities for students with high incidence disabilities [11]. Similar to other skills, social skills training must be deliberate, learned and practiced within the numerous natural settings and the environments that they would happen [12].…”

“…It is essential that students maintain positive social relationships with their peers, family, teachers, and people within their community. "Social skills are often defined as a set of skills that include problem-solving, communication, decision-making, peer and group interactions, assertion and self-management" [11]. Social skills are observable and measurable behaviors that promote independence, acceptability, and a good quality of life.…”