I don't think "what they expect to see" will mean a lot to DS (at least it hasn't so far)
This will be a key piece of learning for DS. Have a look at Michelle Garcia Winner's Social Thinking curriculum.
http://socialthinking.com/ -- search by age for middle school materials
A school or private SLP could (should) be working on this with him.
(obligatory disclaimer: I do not agree with Winner's positions against ABA therapy; but her curriculum materials are useful.)
but I am really excited to see that facial expressions could be part of S/L therapy. I am going to ask for his pragmatic language skills to be evaluated (if the school won't accept NP report that is filled with social communication challenges). I'm assuming that is where the "facial expressions" piece would be filed?
Yes-- if you can find the right person to deliver the services.
Some school SLPs are trained to deal with articulation issues but not really social communication issues. In this regard, usually the fresher-out-of-school, the better.
ETA: p.s. In addition to direct instruction from the SLP, DS would benefit from having pushed-in services (could be SLP or Intervention Specialist) who would give him feedback on his interactions at various points in his day. This is needed in order to generalize the skills.
