The importance of social skills is increasingly recognised by a wide range of researchers and practitioners working across a wide spectrum of specialisms. Professionals working in education will recognise the need for individuals to develop the ability to attain their personal goals in social situations. In this book, Gerald Lombard looks at the extent to which the absence of these 'people skills' can lead young people into difficulties. He provides an introduction to the concepts of social competence and then provides practical guidelines for helping young people acquire the necessary skills of to communicate better through understanding facial expressions, gestures and posture. He also looks at the relationship between social competence and specific learning difficulties and the needs of young people with spatial communication problems. The book ends with pointers with further study and research.