Author Interviewed About How Her Book Can Help Parents Teach Social Skills to Children With Autism

Frederick, MD, July 17, 2015 (Newswire.com) -  Jamie E. Carter, Ph.D.  is  the coauthor of PREP for Social Success:  A Guide for Parents of  Children with Autism .  She was recently interviewed by Special Needs Book Review regarding a wide range of topics  including her reason for writing the book as well as how social skills affect the ability of youth with autism to transition to college or the workforce.   She also discussed techniques for teaching emotion management to improve social functioning. 

The PREP program involves an easy to remember acronym that can be applied in a number of situations.    PREP  stands for PLAN, REHEARSE, ENCOURAGE, PRAISE.  The PLAN step involves planning for the situation while taking into account the  child’s unique characteristics.  The REHEARSE stage involves practicing a skill with the  child using a variety of techniques such as role playing, watching a DVD, or using a social story.  ENCOURAGE involves helping a child to view him or herself as being able to be successful in the situation by giving reminders about the skills that  have been  REHEARSED.  PRAISE involves giving the  child specific verbal praise, a high five or a small treat or object of some kind for successful implementation of the skill he or she has   been working on.   A range of options for each step so  that  parents can choose from based on the child’s age, level of functioning, and interests.

Carter emphasized the need to begin working on social skills  at a young age and for parents to collaborate with teachers to address these skills.  By starting with simple skills at a young age, parents can provide a base on which to build more advanced skills as the child grows.  This will help with adjustment to school, group activities and later to work settings.

The authors of the book have a combined fifty years of experience in  treating children and adults.  Jamie Carter has a Ph.D.  in Clinical Psychology and Ahna Kimmel has an M.A. in Counseling Psychology.    

The book is available exclusively as an Amazon Kindle book.