Social Skills Training - 2nd Edition by Jed Baker (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Whether it's learning how long to look at somebody; how to shift topics, despite a desire to stick with that all-consuming special interest; how to say no to peer pressure; or dealing with sensitive topic--it's all here. In this comprehensive and user-friendly book, the author translates years of experience working with students with autism and social communication differences.

This is not just another social skills curriculum, but instead, a manual that lays out the key components of effective social skills training. Detailed chapters are devoted to each critical element of skills training including: how to collaborate with and motivate clients, target relevant skills, match teaching strategy to language ability, generalize skills, create accepting peer programs, and measure progress.

This 20th anniversary edition includes more than 25 new skill lessons and new research.

Review Quotes

"Jed Baker's Social Skills Training has always been one of my go-to autism books. And his 20th anniversary edition continues that tradition. This book exceeds my expectations--which are always high! Why? Jed, sums it up in one sentence, 'The model I have used to teach skills has moved from an approach that teaches skills to an approach that teaches children.' His years of teaching and research have coalesced into a wonderful volume of instruction that will benefit any child or adolescent. Jed doesn't just talk about social skills; he uses them in his daily life. He is a lovely person and an excellent role model. This is evidenced on every page of his book." -- Brenda Smith Myles, PhD, autism researcher, consultant, and author of many books, including The Hidden Curriculum and Autism and Difficult Moments

"The 20th anniversary edition of Jed Baker's Social Skills Training book provides updated and timely information on a range of topics related to social skills. However, he does not stop there. Jed goes on to provide practical and well thought out lessons on topics ranging from Asking Someone to Play to Dealing with Teasing. Jed is a rare breed the combines both a thorough understanding of the research and practical clinical experience. I cannot recommend this publication highly enough." -- Dr. Cathy Pratt, BCBA-D, Indiana Resource Center for Autism

"This very user-friendly book provides a wealth of ready-to-use activities for both parents and educators. The centerpiece of the book is a series of 92 specific skills found to cause problems for individuals with autism spectrum and other social-communication disorders. Each skill is presented in a handy format, with the skill to be learned on one page and related activities on the facing page. The last chapter on sensitivity and awareness training makes this a complete social skills training package."

- Diane Adreon, assoc dir., Center for Autism and Related Disabilities, University of Miami

"Dr. Baker's clinical expertise and personal concern for individuals with Asperger Syndrome is evident throughout this wonderful book. The chapters contain many easy-to-use strategies to make and keep friends, specific examples for various age groups, and clear direction for assessment and intervention. This book is an essential resource for professionals who want to increase all students' social and coping skills within individual and group sessions and in everyday life."

- Suzanne Buchanan, Psy.D., BCBA, and Jenna Miller, M.A.T., The New Jersey Center for Outreach and Services for the Autism Community (COSAC)

"If you've been searching for a social skills curriculum that really works, you've found it! Jed Baker's long-awaited, much anticipated "how-to" manual is based on his enormously successful social skills training groups. The book covers everything from assessment and strategies for social skills training, to generalization of those skills, to behavior management, to the often-overlooked importance of promoting peer acceptance through sensitivity training. The core of this book, however, is the inclusion of individual skill lessons and activities (seventy in all) that address practically every social situation you can possibly think of. This book is a MUST-READ and should be part of every parent and professional's AS resource library!"

- Lori Shery, president and cofounder, Asperger Syndrome Education Network (ASPEN(R))