Why is Cooking Important?
Why is cooking important? cooking + social skills for individuals with Asperger's
Whether you find cooking daunting or therapeutic, there’s no doubt that a number of skills go into preparing a delicious meal. Fine motor skills are key for peeling, chopping, stirring, and flipping. Time management helps to get those sides on the table, hot, at the same time. Organization allows you to follow the recipe in a way that creates the meal you originally set out to make. With all of the great qualities that come with the Asperger's mind, some key skills can be a struggle. These are all abilities that can be improved through cooking.
But perhaps the most important role that cooking can play is socialization.
The term social skills refers to the ability to interact with others in social situations. This includes initiating conversation, responding to others, eye contact, and reading non-verbal cues, among other things. While many children learn these skills through modeling, some need direct intervention in order to build the skills necessary for successful socialization. Cooking can be a fun way to practice these skills for children, teens and adults.
The Creative Kitchen is a therapeutic cooking program where students are encouraged to take safe risks and build confidence by learning to cook. Classes start slowly to build familiarity with the kitchen. In each class, students learn about new ingredients and how they work together. By collaborating in constructing a meal, the group encourages and inspired its individual members to feel empowered in the kitchen. Perhaps the favorite part of the class is when the meal comes together and students gather around the table to dine communally. The natural topic of conversation, the meal itself, offers a segue to new conversations and potential friendships.
Whether you’re an adult who wants to learn how to cook and make friends, the parent of a child or teen who needs support with executive functioning, or a therapist with clients who need extra support, The Creative Kitchen has something to offer you. Give us a call, and let’s talk about how Libby Creative Arts and the Creative Kitchen can support you.
347.765.0536 | libbycreativearts@gmail.com
