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A common challenge that I see in my class is the student’s inability to read social cues. Most often, this causes them to have difficulty forming successful relationships with other peers in the classroom. Communication between peers is important at this age and lays the groundwork for future relationships.

Children with language processing disorders often have a hard time understanding what others are saying vebally or what they mean to say through body language or facial expressions. There are three elements of social interaction; social intake, internal process and social output.

Social Intake involves the child’s ability to read social cues. These children have difficulty reading facial expressions, misinterpreting the meaning of vocal pitch, and the understanding of personal space.

Children who are able to read social cues must also process the information and decide what action to take. Internal process includes the ability to monitor feelings. If the child misinterprets another’s words this may lead to an inaccurate solution.

After a child interpets the social cue, he/she must respond. This is a difficult task to do appropriately if the child does not understand the cue and does not process the information correctly. Social output involves the action that the child must make.

It is easy to get frustrated in these situation. There are activities to do at home to help your child interact appropriately with peers which in turn will build confidence.

Model appropriate behavior when you interact with others, especially your child. This can be done in natural situations, during check out at the grocery store or during contrived situations. Set up opportunities throughout the day.

Role play with you child. Set up situations where there is an opportunity to exchange information with them. Guide them along the way and explain proper responses to facial cues and expressions. “When a person is mad they frown”. Ask the child how they would respond.

Promote generalization. Once a child has learned how to take turns during a game at home, teach them how to wait in line at the store.

Reading social cues takes time. Remember to be patient and offer positive praise.