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Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to examine approaches that may assist children in improving social skills to increase opportunities for play with others. Since children with or without disabilities may experience social skill deficits, this paper explores viable interventions for children to improve their social skills so they can be effectively proactive and reactive in social play contexts. While play occurs naturally in a variety of social and cultural contexts, children who have social skill deficits are less likely to engage in social play and receive the associated benefits. There is a need for further research on the acquisition of social skills and the effectiveness of social skills interventions with children so that professionals have the tools to enhance the children's prospects for social play. This paper presents information about leisure education programs designed to support children with social skill deficits and promote social skill development, with approaches ranging from instructor-facilitated to peer-assisted to self-guided.