Social skills may impact a student with a disability more than the disability itself. Learn the social deficits and challenges associated with disabilities as well as strategies to support social skill development. A variety of professionals share their success strategies so readers (parents, teachers, counselors, psychologists, and others working in the disability field) can incorporate them into their professional “toolbox” and practice. Included are strategies from Special Educators, School Counselors, Licensed Professional Counselors, an Occupational Therapist, and a Psychologist. Current issues such as bullying are explored in addition to ways that professionals and universities should be involved in supporting social skills of students with disabilities. A special section on working with parents includes a handout with strategies parents can use while social skills are developing in their child.

"Myers (Univ. of Mary Washington), editor and contributor of five chapters, rightfully notes that social skills associated with disability have long been neglected, and pinpoints the major cause for the neglect: social skills are numerous in deficits as well as unique to specific disabilities and to each individual. In addition, she is very blunt as to why there has not been much headway, stating that teachers simply do not know what to do about social skills. Myers attempts to address the issue and provides researched strategies geared to aid educators in assisting children with disabilities to learn social skills. She proposes admirable goals, and her original attempts can only be appreciated. However, in the end, the solution suggested is too simplistic for the issue to be resolved realistically, since the issue has so many layers that all have to be examined and resolved individually for a truly successful result. Therefore, this book is an excellent first step for students and those already working in the disability field, as it suggests incorporating change to successfully support social skills for children with disability so that they can be prepared to transition to adulthood with all the necessary skills. Summing Up: Recommended. Undergraduate and professional collections." - CHOICE