Interpersonal disabilities: social skill deficits in older children and adolescents. Their description, assessment, and management

Good social skills are critical for peer acceptance and friendship formation, which are developmental missions for the older child and adolescent. Good social skills can be developed and can favorably influence other domains of function. A sensitive and comprehensive assessment and management plan is essential. Pediatricians have a unique vantage point because of their familiarity with a child, the family, the school and community, and their knowledge of child development and behavior. Pediatricians can therefore play a central role in the assessment, management, and follow-up of social skills problems.