Social cognition is more than learning social skills. It is a synergistic expression of isolated skills, contextual influences and previous knowledge (aka experiences). Social cognition is a dynamic partner with executive functions. It is observation, exploration and evolution all wrapped up into one. Beginning with the end in mind, this presentation walks attendees through social skills versus social cognition comparisons, the integration of the two and how to consider the influence of executive function strengths and weaknesses. The presentation will also demonstrate how language is a key underpinning of social cognition and its potential relevance for treatment across settings, especially within the elementary and secondary educational settings. Assessment of social cognition (as a deficit) will be discussed and will include informal and formal measures as well as professional judgment considerations.