Social Skill 7: Asking Permission

Following Instructions Accepting Criticism Accepting “No” for an Answer Staying Calm Disagreeing with Others Asking for Help Asking Permission Getting Along with Others Apologizing Having a Conversation Giving Compliments Accepting Compliments Listening to Others Being Honest Showing Sensitivity to Others Introducing Yourself Q & A for Parents

When you need to get permission from someone, you should:

1. Look at the other person.
2. Be specific when you ask permission. The other person should know exactly what you are requesting.
3. Be sure to ask rather than demand. “May I please …?”
4. Give reasons if necessary.
5. Accept the decision.

Reasons to use the skill, Asking Permission: It is important to ask permission whenever you want to do something or use something that another person is responsible for. Asking permission shows your respect for others and increases the chances that your request will be granted.

• It is always wise to ask permission to use something that doesn’t belong to you. It doesn’t matter if it is a pencil or someone’s bike – ask permission!
• Sometimes, you won’t get what you want. But if you have asked permission politely and correctly, you are more likely to get what you want the next time.
• Think about how you would feel if someone used something of yours without asking first. Besides feeling that the person was not polite and did not respect your property, you would be worried that the item might get broken or lost.

Social Skill 8: Getting Along with Others