Social Skills Training

Asperger Syndrome

Aspergers, Asperger syndrome, ASD Level 1, and High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder, are names for a collection of symptoms hallmarked by social communication and social skills difficulties  (i.e., eye-gaze, facial expression, body posture, gestures, social and emotional reciprocity). Adults with this condition struggle socially and are often high-functioning in other areas of their lives, which can include academic or business success.  

We work with adults who are diagnosed, adults who are not diagnosed, and others who suspect they are on the high-functioning end of the autism spectrum. 

As of May 2013, when DSM-5 was published, the subcategory of Asperger syndrome was eliminated and the medical community began moving towards inclusion of the condition toward a broader diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Whether you identify with the previous diagnostic term or have been diagnosed more recently with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder, we can help. At Well Said: Toronto Speech Therapy, we work with adults with Asperger's to help improve social interaction skills. If you have been diagnosed with Asperger syndrome, or ASD, or feel that you have some qualities of an adult with Asperger's or ASD, then our assessment and therapy services might be right for you. 

 
“Qualitative impairment in social interaction, as manifested by at least two of the following:
  • Marked impairments in the use of multiple nonverbal behaviors such as eye-to-eye gaze, facial expression, body posture, and gestures to regulate social interaction

  • Failure to develop peer relationships appropriate to developmental level

  • A lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, interest or achievements with other people, (e.g., by a lack of showing, bringing, or pointing out objects of interest to other people)

  • Lack of social or emotional reciprocity

  • Restricted repetitive & stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests and activities

  • The disturbance causes clinically significant impairments in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

  • There is no clinically significant general delay in language

  • There is no clinically significant delay in cognitive development or in the development of age-appropriate self-help skills, adaptive behavior (other than in social interaction) and curiosity about the environment in childhood.
”
— Criteria for Asperger's Diagnosis - APA-DSM 5, 2013
 

Our Approach

As the first Toronto adult speech clinic, we have the experience and dedication to help you achieve measurable results and improved social skills to use in your real life. Using an evidenced-based and adult-centric approach, we will work with you and the latest research to achieve your social interaction goals. 

Our services are covered by most workplace and education insurance plans. Try our "Is Social Skills Work for Me?" self-reflection tool below to discover how you might benefit.

Is Social Skills Work for Me?

Are you uncertain if social skills work for adults with Asperger symdrome or high-functioning ASD is right for you? Try our new self-assessment tool by clicking on the box below. A box will open with a series of questions that you can consider to decide if this work is right for you. 

The Steps

Determine your goals

Complete a social skills assessment to determine which skills you would benefit from improving on.

Learn the skills

We will work closely with you to develop weaker skills in a safe space and track your improvements.

Practice and apply

When you are ready we will apply the trained social skills in real life practice. Through step-by-step advancement, you will notice measurable improvements in your social interaction.