The challenges confronting learning disabled children in their lives both in and out of the classroom are examined in this video program designed for both teachers and parents. Countless hours of classroom time have been devoted to the children's mastery of the skills related to language arts, mathematics and science. Finally, in the mid-l980s the field began to recognize the critical importance of social skills in the development and ultimate success of individuals with learning disabilities. Research and observation clearly demonstrates that individuals with learning disabilities tend to be less accepted by peers, interact awkwardly and inappropriately in social situations and are socially imperceptive. The goal for these children is to achieve an appropriate degree of social competence.
Social skills are a collection of isolated and discrete learned behaviors.
Social competence refers to the smooth sequential use of these skills in an effort to establish an ongoing social interaction. There are two schools of thought related to the nature and causes of social incompetence. Proponents of the first hypothesis argue that social skill deficits are the result of the same neurological dysfunctions that cause academic problems. The second hypothesis holds that the social disabilities are caused by the child's chronic school failure and the rejection that often results. These researchers feel that the child has been unable to practice these social skills because of this isolation.