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Building Social Skills in Gifted Youths?
UNOStudent asks: "I'm currently a Biotech undergrad at the University of Nebraska-Omaha and have spent the past several semesters mentoring gifted youngsters and have been presented with a challenge this semester. My student is unbelievably smart, however has very limited social skills, is unable to cooperate with peers, doesn't understand why they make fun of his uncombed hair, etc. Since many of us may have grown up in a similar circumstance, I'm looking for suggestions from my fellow geeks on ideas for how to challenge him mentally, while building essential social skills." How would you build social skills in someone more concerned with math, science and computers?
Give the kid a copy of "Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman."
He comes across as an arrogant bastard, but I sure did enjoy the chapter about the intellectual challenge presented by learning how to pick up chicks.
N.b.: Feynman's technique was probably valid in the 50s, and is definitely not useful now. The valuable part is getting this kid to treat "learning social skills" as an intellectual exercise.
I.e., what makes these stupid apes TICK?
As flipant as this the parent is, martial arts might be a real decent way to build some confidence in pysical activity, and get him/her interacting with people. Sports are generally a good way to do it, and martial arts are far more geeky than the usual football/baseball/soccer stuff, plus it can be competitive or not, depending on preference. Seems like all the geeks these days are little japanese culture fanboys who are into anime, and this is a natural transition.
My sig is blank, I typed this by hand.
If you want another reason to nudge towards physical activity: Exercise promotes brain function.
Beyond research showing that exercise alters the function of the brain in a beneficial manner, just simple biology will tell you that increased cardiovascular activity leads to increased oxygen capacity in the blood, which can carry more of that precious O2 into your greymatta and increase mental function.
The ancient Greeks had a point in training minds and bodies.
I used to be someone else. Now I'm someone better.
Real life is underrated.
"Asperger Syndrome or (Asperger's Disorder) is a neurobiological disorder named for a Viennese physician, Hans Asperger, who in 1944 published a paper which described a pattern of behaviors in several young boys who had normal intelligence and language development, but who also exhibited autistic-like behaviors and marked deficiencies in social and communication skills. "
By Barbara L. Kirby
Founder of the OASIS Web site (www.aspergersyndrome.org)
Co-author of THE OASIS GUIDE TO ASPERGER SYNDROME (Crown, 2001)
You can never equivocate too much.
Aikido isn't a "get in your face" type of martial art, it's more of a "take your opponent down as fast as possible with adding as little of your own energy as possible" kind of art. EVERYTHING is taught by example and partner/group work.
Very cool stuff. Here for more information
That may be kind of true, but I suggest: Get him or her involved in real, intellectually-stimulating work. I don't know if you are involved in undergraduate research at your institution, but if not, do so, and bring your young friend along. Both of you will find that real work requires a lot of social interaction, yet it is in a structured and meaningful environment, and hence less awkward for shy gifted youth. Many of the researchers may even have gone through a similar phase in their own life, and will be able to relate better with your young friend than some of his age-peers may. Often, and as it appears to be in this situation, the problem for bright youngsters is that they are much more intellectually mature than others their age, not more mature, or sometimes even less mature, in other respects. Interesting work should make your friend want to interact socially with people that can be very positive role models, and as a consequence, also learn more about social interaction. Even if he or she is reticent to adapt based on osmosis alone, witnessing the intellectual similitude should build trust in your and other co-workers' advice about social situations and advancement. It may be a real eye-opener that even in science, being appealing, a bit of a joker, and generally getting along really helps to advance your ideas.
THE NERD IS THE COMPUTER.
I have to agree. As a geek who has studied multiple martial arts (both un-armed and weapons), I can say that it is a great way to learn social skills and how to get along with people. You can learn a wide range of skills both social and physical, and have a lot of fun while your at it.s .com/toyamanewsletter/index.ht ml
Use a bit of caution when choosing a dojo however, many of the schools have (unfortunately) become overly commercial - as long as you show up and pay your fees, you can expect to advance "on schedule" - I've seen kids (and adults) with black belts who show none of the maturity and skills that should be present at that level. Others have become clubs for people who seem to think that everything you need to know can be learned from watching Jet Li movies, when this is a weapons class, it's a Darwin Award waiting to happen.
That said, there are many very good schools out there. Visit them, talk with the Sensei and sit through a couple of classes before signing up.
A couple web sites to check out as a place to start:
http://www.askf.org/
http://www.geocitie
90% of TKD schools are McDojos (bullshido.com), so my advice to anyone who thinks of learning TKD: MAKE SURE YOU DO NOT GET HOSED. There are some really crappy schools out there. Make sure you learn self defense, not how to dance. Click the link to find some good advice. And yes, I speak from personal experience. Thank god for Jeet Kune Do.
That's right. All your base.
Actually my parents made sure I was in many sports and team events. Swimming, Karate, Gymnastics, Running, Basketball, Football, Hockey, etc... Just being around so many people forces good interpersonal skills.
It is best at first if it is an EVERYONE PLAYS team so the kid also gets a chance to learn the sport as well.
OH YEAH, don't forget the great non-athletic team/social groups. Such as Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Brownines, and Girl Scouts. Not only do they teach interpersonal skills, but they also try to build integrity and values in young ones.
Party at O'zorgnax's Pub! Buy me a Slurmtini aye?