Free Printable List of 62 Social Skills to Teach Kids with Autism

When I am coaching, I often get asked what social skills are important to teach children on the autism spectrum. I put together this list of social skills to teach kids with autism so that you would know exactly what to work on with your child/students.

I have also included a printable version of the list (available as a free printable below).

Why teach social skills to individuals with autism

Why is it important to teach social skills to autistic learners in the first place?

Building a social skills repertoire will help your child in many ways by :

• Fostering friendships
• Encouraging kindness and empathy
• Increasing your child’s positive social experiences

List of Social Skills for Kids with Autism

This list is by no means definitive but a great place to start. 62 social skills you can begin teaching in your home or classroom.

1. Following directions
2. Complimenting others
3. Being a supportive friend
4. Asking permission
5. Being polite
6. Speaking in an appropriate tone
7. Speaking at an appropriate volume
8. Waiting to do something
9. Accepting that something is not available
10. Realizing that my actions have consequences
11. Respecting others’ things
12. Respecting others’ personal space
13. Listening when other speak
14. Taking turns
15. Waiting for everyone to be served food before eating at the table
16. Respecting other people’s feelings
17. Recognizing my own feelings
18. Accepting “no” as an answer to a request
19. Identifying other people’s emotions
20. Working as a team
21. Asking for help when necessary
22. Accepting others’ differences
23. Forgive others
24. Helping someone else
25. Making eye contact
26. Responding to my name
27. Following rules
28. Taking turns when speaking in a conversation
29. Communicating in a clear way
30. Actively participating in a conversation
31. Following instructions/directions
32. Staying with a group outside
33. Respectfully disagreeing
34. Accepting feedback from others
35. Sharing toys
36. Celebrating my successes as well as others’ successes
37. Giving gifts
38. Accepting gifts with gratitude
39. Focusing on the task at hand
40. Resisting peer pressure
41. Flexibility – accepting a change of plans
42. Calling other by their names
43. Sharing ideas
44. Speaking on the phone
45. Giving help
46. Waiting for change
47. Greeting a shopkeeper
48. Saying hello
49. Being kind to animals
50. Staying seated with the group
51. Asking another person about his/her day
52. Waiting appropriately at the store
53. Mealtime etiquette
54. Reading quietly at the library
55. Using a seatbelt
56. Politely declining the offer of food from others
57. Eating at someone else’s home
58. Waiting my turn on the playground
59. Walking next to an adult on the sidewalk/street
60. Dressing appropriately when out with others
61. Sitting quietly on the plane
62. Eating appropriately in a restaurant

Tools that can help teach social skills to autistic learners

These are by best tools to help you teach social skills to your little learners on the spectrum.

• Autism Activity Workbooks – do the activities in these workbooks with one child or in a group. The activities build a variety of new skills and can be done by the child individually or children can work in teams.
• Autism Sensory Boxes – autism sensory boxes are a fabulous tool to help your child calm down and focus. Make mini versions and they become the perfect tool to bring with you on the go.
• Sensory Break Cards – while working on social skills, don’t forget that your child may have specific sensory needs – they are typically part of an autism diagnosis after all. Sensory break cards help make time for sensory breaks throughout the day which will keep your child happier, calmer and more focused.
• Autism Chew Toys – autism chew toys can do wonders for helping your child cope in social situations while also getting the necessary oral sensory feedback he/she needs.
• Sensory Toys – these sensory toys can also be valuable in social situations, as well as at home.
• DIY Fidgets – fidgets help your child stay focused and relaxed in social situations, making it easier for him/her to learn the social skills on this list.

Get your free printable list of social skills to teach

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List of Social Skills to Teach Children with Autism

Print out this list of social skills to teach children with autism to use at home or in your classroom.

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