THE SOCIAL SKILLS SPOTLIGHT BLOG
Your Go-To Source for Social Skills Tips for Parents and Resources for Speech Therapists
Whether you're a parent looking for speech and language tips to help your child navigate social situations and friendships, or a provider searching for social skills resources for speech therapists and a clearer framework for teaching them, you're in the right place. Pull up a post, take what's useful, and come back to continue your learning.
SPOTLIGHT POSTS
SPOTLIGHT POSTS
Free Parent Resource
Conversation Skills
Quiz + Tips
Not sure where your child's conversation skills stand? Take the free quiz and get a clearer picture of where your child is doing well and where a little extra support could make a real difference.
Free Provider Resource
The Social Skills Blueprint® Informal Assessment Checklist
This free checklist helps you identify your student's strengths and areas of need across key conversation and pragmatic language skills, so you can walk into your next session with a clearer direction. It's a practical, neurodiversity-affirming first step that takes the guesswork out of where to begin.
Meet the Speech Therapist in Your Corner
I've Sat Across from Enough Kids Who Felt Left Out to Know That This Work Matters
Hi, I'm Gabby, a licensed speech-language pathologist specializing in social communication and pragmatic language. I’m a UCLA PEERS® certified provider and the founder of Pyzza Speech Therapy.
Early in my career I worked with teens who told me they wanted friends but didn't know how to make them. Teaching them specific conversation skills and watching those skills open up their world was when I knew this was the work I was meant to do.
I've spent the last decade specializing in speech sounds and social communication for kids, teens, and young adults, and I still love this work as much as I did on day one. Long story short, I'm a real person who genuinely cares about the families I work with and the providers I support.
Know What You’re Looking for?
The Hidden Reasons Your Child Might Be Struggling to Make and Keep Friends
Wondering “why can’t my child make or keep friends?” Learn the hidden social communication challenges behind friendship struggles in autism, ADHD, other neurodivergent diagnoses and how to help.
So Your Child Just Got a 'Pragmatic Language Disorder' Diagnosis: Now What?
Getting a diagnosis of a pragmatic language disorder can be overwhelming and leave you feeling unsure about what’s next.
You might be wondering, “What does this mean for my child’s future?” or “Where do we go from here?”
It’s important to know that you’re not alone in this journey, and there are many resources and experts ready to help you and your child!
6 Benefits of Social Skills for Friendship Building
Teaching our pre-teens/teens foundational social skills can provide them with the tools they need to live rich social lives.
Bridging the Gap: Essential Conversation Skills
Navigating social situations can sometimes feel confusing, overwhelming, and even stressful, but learning essential conversation skills can make it easier. Here you’ll find three key skills to help boost confidence during conversations.
The Power of a Good Conversation: How It Helps Your Child Build Friendships & Social Skills
Many parents believe that signing their child up for activities or clubs might solve the problem of not having friends, but the truth is, good conversation skills are really important for making and keeping friends. According to research by Hall (2019), these skills are the foundation of meaningful connections, helping people connect on a deeper level and understand each other better. Remember, building friendships takes time, but by nurturing your child's conversation skills, you are paving the way for meaningful connections that can help your child feel a sense of belonging.