SODA Strategy

Abstract

Persons with Asperger Syndrome present social peculiarities that result from one of the primary features of Asperger Syndrome—social interaction deficits. Children with Asperger Syndrome are often unable to engage in age-expected interactions, such as play. Similarly, adolescents with Asperger Syndrome are often unable to understand the social customs associated with dating and other age-expected interactions. This confusion regarding social customs continues through adulthood. Thus, it is not unusual to find adults with Asperger Syndrome who experience high levels of social isolation and frustration. This article describes a social behavioral learning strategy, SODA, that will enhance the social interaction skills of persons with Asperger Syndrome. It includes a description of SODA and a set of teaching guidelines.