Word: dyssemia
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...child psychologists are looking to save awkward youngsters from the anguish of being disliked. Educators are being encouraged to be aware of students who appear to be having a rough time getting along with their peers. These students are then sent off to be tested for a condition called "dyssemia." Dyssemia describes an inability to interpret and use non-verbal skills. As a child ages, this inability manifests itself in all sorts of socially clumsy behaviors--talking too loudly or softly, standing too close to people, touching them inappropriately, laughing or crying at inappropriate times...
...researchers who "discovered" dyssemia estimate about 10 percent of all children suffer from some form of it. (When I look around this campus, I'm forced to conclude that the rate here is much higher.) The treatment regimen involves teaching these children the social skills that they lack through the use of supervised play groups. A therapist will observe a group of kids interacting and gently encourage them to behave more in accordance with normal expectations. Essentially, the therapist tries to make the child more likable...
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