How Children with Autism Can Develop Social Skills

Children are totally unique in who they are and how they interact with others.  Children who have been diagnosed with ASD come with many unique characteristics and traits.  Typically a difficulty with social and emotional skills is at the top of their list.  I must believe that all children are capable of exhibiting and experiencing emotion in a meaningful way.  We are human beings and sometimes we may not exhibit these skills at age appropriate times but we are capable at some time in our lives of showing compassion, empathy and closeness with others.
Systemic approaches have been found to aid in the development of affect and social skills for children with ASD.  One in particular that has been utilized is referred to as the DIR model or the Developmental, Individual Difference, Relationship-Based Model of Intervention developed by Dr. Stanley Greenspan.  This program focuses not on discrete behaviours like answering a phone or shaking someone's hand but it uses the child's natural motivation to perform or exhibit a behavior through social interaction and engagement.
If you would like more info on this approach visit;  http://www.icdl.com/DIR