Social Smart Kids began in October 2006 with the objective of providing online support to kids who are challenged by social interactions. All kids will struggle socially at some point during their childhood; however others experience more frequent and consistent social awkwardness. Some children, particularly those with certain types of special needs, have a very difficult time making friends, developing solid friendships, and keeping friends. This site is intended to provide assistance to kids of all abilities and to improve their social skills. For some children, a little fine-tuning is all that is needed, and for others, a long term, consistent approach with role playing and practice is necessary.
The founder of Social Smart Kids, Nadine Briggs, has always focused primarily on social skills with her daughter who was born in 1996 with Down syndrome. She believes that being socially appropriate has been the most important lesson for her daughter with academics being secondary. Through years of experience integrating her daughter into society, she is compelled to share a parent-involvement philosophy which has worked well for her and for other parents she has counseled. Nadine also has a son without special needs and has recognized the need for teaching social skills to children of all abilities and not only for children with special needs. For more on this philosophy including tips on how to help children improve their social skills, see Social Coaching and Advice. Nadine has spent several years as chair of the local Special Education Advisory Council and is a trained parent consultant.
Social Smart Kids is guided by an Advisory Board of social skills professionals, educators and parents, including neuropsychologist, Dr. Teresa Bolick and behaviorist and director of The Peter Pan Center, Donna Shea.
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