Social Cognition

   Social cognition refers to the awareness of one’s own and other people’s mental states (i.e., acquiring a theory of mind), including emotions, motives, desires and feelings (empathy and perspective taking). These are the skills that help us to work together with others in tasks like reciprocal conversation, sharing, joining in play and developing friendships. Development of these skills is often delayed in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, those with ADD/ADHD and emotional disturbance. 

   Some children may need more time or practice with the understanding of foundational social competencies and the development of these important skills. These would include - functional play (independent play and/or play with peers), turn taking, sharing, initiating and maintaining conversations, building and maintaining friendships and relationships and expanding interests and leisure activities.  

​   If you have ever wondered about your child's ability to play or socialize as expected with other children, have simple back and forth conversations, understand /respond to classroom or home expectations and/or to understand another's perspective, you are not alone. We have worked with and helped to support families and schools in finding and using strategies to better support their children.