Social skills form early and play an essential part in how a child interacts with others, fits into a group and copes with the demands of daily life. From the first parallel play to cooperation, negotiation and empathy, a child is constantly learning how to be “together with others”.
Screening social skills allows parents to understand more clearly their child’s level of social maturity and to find out whether there are difficulties that may affect adjustment at nursery, at school or among friends.
What are social skills?
Social skills include:
- initiating and sustaining interactions with other children;
- following the rules of a game and social conventions;
- the ability to cooperate and to resolve conflict;
- adapting behaviour to the social context;
- showing empathy and interest in others;
- tolerance of frustration in social relationships.
A child with good social skills is more likely to settle easily into a group, develop friendships and feel safe among others.
How does the screening work?
The assessment is adapted to three age groups: 3–4 years, 4–5 years and 5–7 years. Parents complete a questionnaire about the social behaviours observed at home and in informal interactions and, where possible, the teacher’s perspective is added, since they observe social behaviour within the group.
At 3–4, a child is still egocentric and plays alongside rather than with other children, but may show interest in their presence and occasionally initiate interaction.
Between 4 and 5, the first forms of cooperation, negotiation, sharing of resources and understanding of group rules appear.
Between 5 and 7, the child develops empathy, the capacity to build stable relationships, to resolve conflict verbally and to adapt behaviour to social norms.
What signs may suggest a difficulty in social development?
- No initiative in interacting with other children;
- Prolonged solitary play, avoidance of social contact;
- Difficulty cooperating, following rules or waiting for a turn;
- Frequent aggression, or no response to social overtures;
- An absence of empathy or a failure to understand others’ reactions.
These behaviours can indicate delays in the development of social skills, difficulties of adjustment or, in some cases, may raise the possibility of social communication difficulties or ASD.
What comes after the screening?
Once the questionnaire has been interpreted, we discuss your child’s level of social development, their strengths and the aspects that may need support. Depending on the profile, I may recommend:
- guided group play, symbolic or role-play games at home;
- gradual exposure to varied social settings (clubs, group activities);
- educational support in collaboration with teaching staff;
- a further clinical psychological assessment, if warning signs appear.
The aim is to support the child in developing social skills at their own pace, without pressure but with the right guidance.
Why does social screening matter?
- Because social skills profoundly influence adjustment to nursery and school.
- Because social difficulties can be mistaken for “naughtiness”, “shyness” or “inattention”, when in fact they express deeper needs.
- Because healthy relationships with others contribute to self-esteem and emotional balance.
- Because parents can learn how to encourage their child’s socialising naturally.
Frequently asked questions about social screening
Is it a problem if my child prefers to play alone?
Not necessarily. But if this preference is rigid and accompanied by constant avoidance of other children, it may indicate a difficulty with social integration.
What does “empathy” mean at preschool age?
Empathy begins with noticing others’ reactions and responding to them emotionally. For example, a five-year-old who offers a toy to a sad classmate is showing empathy.
If the teacher sees no problem, is the screening still worth doing?
Yes. A child’s behaviour can be very different at home and at nursery. A complete assessment takes both perspectives into account.
Is the screening a test?
No. There are no “marks” and no “good or bad results”. The screening offers an objective picture of the level of social development.
If you have noticed difficulties in your child’s relationships with other children, a lack of interest in group play or social behaviour that worries you, screening is an essential step towards understanding what is happening.
How it works in practice
Psychometric instruments are not used in isolation. At the practice, a test forms part of a complete psychological assessment: clinical interview, choice of the instruments suited to your question, interpretation, a written report and a session in which I explain the results in language you can go on using.
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Cabinet Individual de Psihologie Ileana Vlad · Corbeanca, Ilfov · 0753 453 262