Therapist Development Center Practice Exam 1

After a child is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, what should the social worker do NEXT when the parents feel supported by the school?

1. Recommend moving the child into a special needs class.

2. Encourage the parents to enroll the child in a social skills group.

3. Refer the parents to a gymnastics class for children with special needs.

4. Help the parents identify appropriate classmates for future play dates.

The correct answer is: Encourage the parents to enroll the child in a social skills group.

Encouraging the parents to enroll the child in a social skills group is a proactive step in supporting the child’s development. Social skills groups are specifically designed to help children on the Autism Spectrum improve their social interactions, learn essential communication skills, and practice playing and interacting with peers in a structured environment. By participating in such a group, the child can gain valuable experiences that promote social engagement and reduce challenges related to socialization inherent in Autism Spectrum Disorder. This option aligns well with the needs that typically arise after an ASD diagnosis, where enhancing social skills can lead to better relationships with peers and help mitigate feelings of isolation. It demonstrates a focus on the child's developmental needs while also empowering parents with strategies that can be integrated into their child’s daily life. In contrast, other options like moving the child into a special needs class, referring the parents to a gymnastics class, or helping to identify classmates for playdates may not address the immediate focus on social skills development. While these options have their benefits, they may not provide the structured support that a social skills group specifically offers, which is focused on improving interactions with peers and fostering an understanding of social cues.