by Patricia S. Lemer, MS. Bus., NCC, Chairman of the Board, Epidemic Answers This blog post focuses on autism, ADHD, developmental delays and Sensory Processing Disorder and social interaction. The emergence of appropriate social skills is the final step on the path to resolving developmental delays. Almost daily at my office, I welcome parents and their children who come for testing. As they enter, inevitably I hear, “Scott, say hi to Patty.” Scott may act dutifully, repeating the words rotely, without eye contact – or he may be mute. In the first instance, the parent is relieved; at least he talked. In the latter, she may be embarrassed. Appropriate Social Interaction: The Last Frontier Social skills lag behind until the child’s immune system works better, motor skills strengthen, language emerges, reading and mathematics develop, and handwriting becomes legible. When social skills get scant attention, inappropriate or poor interactions are the result. Recognizing that their child has few friends is painful…