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Screening Checklist for Social Skills

eye contacteye contact

Have the child play with one play set (such as a toy farm or airport) with a peer or adult participant.

Observe the child during a 15-minute play period.

Yes No Observation
Does he use eye contact and eye gaze shifts to the other participant?  How many times in a 15-minute period?
Does he use gestures that match what he is talking about?
Does he listen to his peer/participant?
When you ask him about the content of what the peer is talking about, does he tell you the main idea of the conversation?   Does he provide any details?
Does he use intentional actions with objects?  Do the actions relate to the story that he is using in his play?
Is his affect appropriate for the play situation and the story?
Does he repeat the same actions several times?
Does he allow his peer to start a play action?
Does he move on to another play set and ask his peer to join him?
Does he say good-bye to his peer and ask to play again?
Does he talk with his peer about his emotions during his play period?
Does he talk about his feelings after he plays with his peer?
Does he use language to express his anger and frustration when a problem arises during play?
Does he explain his problem?
Does he try to work toward a solution with his peer?
Does he remember one week later what he did with that peer?
Does he initiate a play date with his peer?
Does he retell his experience with his peer in a sequential story?
Does he want to join his peer again?

If you answer 'no' to 3 or more questions on this checklist, you need to refer the child to the school team or to the child's pediatrician, neuropsychologist, or neurologist for an evaluation.

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