Would You Take a Course to Learn Social Skills?

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There are a few of those I would love to learn how to properly execute. I have never been able to engage in meaningful eye contact without also fidgeting or glancing around vicariously. Small talk and general body language never came naturally to me. My middle son seems to have the same struggles, and he is also considered gifted. He looks like he is pain every time someone takes a picture of him. He said he just doesn't understand why he should smile if he has no reason to smile. And, honestly, I get that. However, I feel like I am not doing him any kindness with my own lack of social skills.

An accredited course would be my second choice. I'd rather be an early adopter, working with someone who is still developing something, not someone trying to emulate a genius but able to cheat. Certificates have become a commodity. "USDA Organic" now means "Reduced Poison."

No. Social skills is too vague of a concept and differs from culture to culture.

There are reasons why some find it best to avoid eye contact. It is just basic self-protection. It should be praised.

The premise of deficit is what is wrong with such social skills classes.

Those of us living the Shamanic Experience need to be fighting to reclaim our social and civil standing, not to be being Uncle Toms.

Richard

Agreed, Shamans usually do not communicate in the same ways as Muggles do.

I've seen some such social skills videos, talking about how to ask a girl out on a date, and the selected setting being the waiting room of a doctor's office.

Well, first of all there is the premise of defect and deficiency. But then also, it is unrealistic. Adolescent peer culture is brutal, sometimes even lethal.

So while it may go okay in a doctor's office, in a more typical setting, if you do not have status within the herd, you have no chance, nothing to gain, and a great deal to risk.

We need to be honest about this, let people know that it is not they who have some defect or deficiency. Let them them know that the entire problem is with adolescent peer culture, and then also that some never evolve beyond this, as long as they live.

So the solution to all problems is built Shamanic social realms.

Richard

I've tried such a course before I got diagnosed. It was sooooo horrible!
I took it very seriously, but the course was for a group of 12 people. Strangers. Who easily conversed with each other before, during and after the course. So yeah, I seemed to be the only weirdo there.

But I would consider new course. Specially on 'how to initiate and keep a conversation going'. I would be interested if it were specific for Aspergers and something I could do alone. Yes I do see how practice would be difficult

I wouldn't take such a course. There are some people who just aren't meant to be like everybody else.

It's been over a week since the OP posted on this website.

I think he may be tired of being called out as a salesman with nothing of value to sell.

People are pushing these social skills classes. I think it is all very disingenuous.

Richard

I have found Toastmasters far more effective than any social skills course. You don't have to pay a ridiculous amount of money, either. I have developed vital life skills taking tennis lessons as well. The instructors program is a whole life program stressing lifelong learning, on court and off.

Toastmasters is quite applicable, especially, for real-life, relatively formal types of situations.

Improving one's social skills is not a "disingenuous" objective.

Even Temple Grandin, who takes great pride in her autism, had to adapt and develop better social skills.

I took a social skills course sponsored by a national engineering society.