The Science of Making Friends

The groundbreaking book that puts the focus on teens andyoung adults with social challenges This book offers parents a step-by-step guide to making andkeeping friends for teens and young adults with socialchallenges--such as those diagnosed with autism spectrumdisorder, ADHD, bipolar, or other conditions. With the book'sconcrete rules and steps of social etiquette, parents will be ableto assist in improving conversational skills, expanding socialopportunities, and developing strategies for handling peerrejection. Each chapter provides helpful overview information for parents;lessons with clear bulleted lists of key rules and steps; andexpert advice on how to present the material to a teen or youngadult. Throughout the book are role-playing exercises forpracticing each skill, along with homework assignments to ensurethe newly learned skills can be applied easily to a school, work,or other "real life" setting. The bonus DVD shows role-plays ofskills covered, demonstrating the right and wrong way to enterconversations, schedule get-togethers, deal with conflict, and muchmore. PART ONE: GETTING READY Ch. 1: Why Teach Social Skills to Teens and Young Adults? PART TWO: THE SCIENCE OF DEVELOPING AND MAINTAININGFRIENDSHIPS Ch. 2: Finding and Choosing Good Friends Ch. 3: Good Conversations: The Basics Ch. 4: Starting and Entering Conversations Ch. 5: Exiting Conversations Ch. 6: Managing Electronic Communication Ch. 7: Showing Good Sportsmanship Ch. 8: Enjoying Successful Get-Togethers PART THREE: THE SCIENCE OF HANDLING PEER CONFLICT ANDREJECTION: HELPFUL STRATEGIES Ch. 9: Dealing With Arguments Ch. 10: Handling Verbal Teasing Ch. 11: Addressing Cyber Bullying Ch. 12: Minimizing Rumors and Gossip Ch. 13: Avoiding Physical Bullying Ch. 14: Changing a Bad Reputation Epilogue: Moving Forward