In terms of social skills training, which of the following may lead to deficits?

Choosing the lack of opportunity to practice skills as the correct answer highlights the importance of experiential learning in social skills training. Social skills are developed and reinforced through real interactions with peers in various contexts. When individuals do not have opportunities to practice these skills, they miss out on essential experiences that can help them understand social cues, appropriate responses, and the dynamics of interpersonal relationships.

Without practice, even those who have received instruction in social skills may not be able to apply what they've learned effectively. This gap between knowledge and application can lead to significant deficits in real-life social interactions, impacting their ability to communicate and connect with others.

Increased access to technology, previous instruction in social skills, and frequent interactions with peers can all play positive roles in the development of social skills. For instance, technology can facilitate social interactions or provide additional learning opportunities, prior instruction lays a foundational understanding, and frequent interactions with peers can enhance social understanding and competency. However, none of these factors substitute for the necessity of practice, which is critical for the reinforcement of social skills in real-world settings. Thus, the lack of opportunities to practice is a definitive factor leading to deficits in social skills training.