Table of Contents

Introduction

Assessment

Level 1: Talkabout Body Language

Level 2: Talkabout the Way We Talk

Level 3: Talkabout Conversations

Level 4: Talkabout Assertiveness

Group cohesion games

Record forms

References

Index

About the Author

Alex Kelly is a speech and language therapist who specialises in working with children and adults who have low self esteem, and difficulty with their social skills and friendship skills. She spent 23 years working as a speech and language therapist in the NHS but now runs her own company - Alex Kelly Ltd. She provides social skills training and consultancy to schools and organisations across the UK and overseas. Her company also provides speech and language therapy in a number of schools in the south of England and 'Speaking Space' - a day service for adults with an intellectual disability and autism.

Reviews

"Talkabout 2nd Editions presents with clear aims and defined hierarchy of its social skills programme, following a systematic structure to address social skills encapsulating wider features such as gestures, thoughts and feelings. Sometimes many other social skill programmes can focus on just the simplest elements of communication and conversation by addressing appropriate things to say and how close is appropriate to stand near someone. However, Alex Kelly doesn't just address what we say in appropriate social situations, but also how we say it - addressing the finer eloquence of communication. The real life practical examples also support students in a more realistic manner can be applied to daily life instantly, and with summary activities at the end of each chapter to reinforce learning along with visual aids to support and stimulate this is a resource adolescents will thrive on.Talkabout 2nd Edition combines all the elements necessary for supporting adolescents with social communication difficulties and isn't just appropriate for those with a diagnosis of autism, but also for the wider peer group to work towards. However, it is noted by the reviewer that assessment forms may need adapting to suit non-writing users, and language may need adapting to be simpler for those with language or cognition needs. But what Talkabout 2nd Edition offers is a solid basis for the administrator to implement all of the strategies presented with any adaptions necessary as there is a clear session aim and objective with clearly structured activities and necessary handouts present with plausible step up/step down activities. It is a highly useful resource for all practitioners working with adolescents with social communication needs including therapists, support workers and even family members." — Gemma Biles, Speech and Language Therapist"A well assembled step by step guide for speech therapy group work. Addresses all aspects of communication especially social skills of expressing thoughts and feelings, and gaining insight into what is appropriate in different situations. Although this is designed for work with autism, I can see benefits for utilising with the TBI population and other brain injury such as right hemisphere language disorders in adults.Excellent resource for any therapist working in groups with a focus on interaction and communication skill building. You can pick it up and run with it." — Annette Rotherham, NZSTA