The concepts of personal space and social space are abstract and must be taught in a concrete manner. Appropriate social interactions must be taught as these student’s have poor generalization and poor cause-and- effect skills.

Give Students “Hurdle” Help

• Anticipate difficulties and circumvent them
• Be aware of nonverbal communication
• Diffuse situations before they escalate
• Give them eye contact
• Hold their hand if in line
• Stand next to them
• Sit next to them
• Use time out spaces

Use Visual Cues

• Use colored tape to delineate where someone sits on a rug.

Model Appropriate Behavior

• Role play
• Use puppets

Let Them Know You Care

• Provide jobs for the student; show the student he is a valued member of the class
• Praise students for appropriate social interaction

Seek Help from the School Counselor or Psychologist

• Engage a special friends group
• Engage a student advocate
• Consider counseling