Being able to have a conversation, initiating interaction, joining play, decoding facial expressions/body language and predicting/understanding emotions are some of the most important aspects of social skills. It is important to develop these skills in order to have meaningful peer relationships. It is important that children with autism master these for effective peer interaction. It is not that children with autism can't learn interaction, communication, or imagination. It's just that they need specific teaching in these areas. They need to have skills broken down, explained, and practiced because they often feel overwhelmed in social situations.