This handbook addresses a broad range of topics relating to children's social behaviors and skills. It examines numerous disorders and problems that are directly affected by excesses and deficits of social skills. The book begins by providing an overview of the history and definition of social skills, citing it as a critical aspect of children's development. Chapters discuss developmental issues, provide theories of social competence, and assemble proven strategies for promoting the growth of social skills and for treating their deficits. The handbook also reviews a variety of methods for assessing various social competencies, including direct and naturalistic observation, skills checklists, self-reports, and functional behavior analysis. In addition, it provides a comprehensive overview of various training methods, including social learning, parent and peer treatments, self-control methods, social skill group programs, and curricula.

Chapter 1. History of Social Skills.- Chapter 2. Defining Social Skills.- Chapter 3. Challenging Behavior.- Chapter 4. Developmental Issues.- Chapter 5. Social Competence: Consideration of Behavioral, Cognitive and Emotional Factors.- Chapter 6. Observational Methods.- Chapter 7. Checklists and Scaling Methods.- Chapter 8. Behavior Analytic Methods.- Chapter 9. Social Learning Instructional Models.- Chapter 10. Self-Regulation in Childhood: A Developmental Perspective.- Chapter 11. Social and Emotional Learning: Recent Research and Practical Strategies for Promoting Children's Social and Emotional Competence in Schools.- Chapter 12. Using Parent Training Programs to Teach Social Skills.- Chapter 13. Social Skills in Autism Spectrum Disorders.- Chapter 14. Intellectual Disability and Social Skills.- Chapter 15. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.- Chapter 16. Anxiety Disorders.- Chapter 17. Evidence-Based Methods of Dealing with Social Difficulties in Conduct Disorder.- Chapter 18. Depression and (Hypo)Mania.