Tip Sheets

To encourage air to come from the lungs through the mouth, play blowing games with bubbles, balloons or pieces of tissue. Use musical instruments, windmills etc, If the child is not ready to copy you, see if he will watch you. Also see if he ever tries out things when you are not watching him.

Making Sounds – Communication

The way in which children with autism play can be very unusual. Progress can be very slow. Pretend play may not develop, or at least not in the same way as for other children.

Developing play skills

It is always a good idea to start with things the child already finds motivating. Chances are that if you observe carefully, you will discover the things your child is interested in and will be able to find toys that are motivating. Once you have found those toys, the goal is to make playing lots of fun.

Helping Children Learn to Play

Pretend play often starts off as a form of copying. Children with autism may learn to play with a toy in a particular way that they’ve been shown. It may be much harder for them to work out for themselves new ways of playing.

First Steps Towards Pretend Play

How to ask for help
How and when to sharpen pencils
What and when to throw away and where
How to ask to go to the bathroom

Routines that need to be Directly Taught

What to look out for:
– Often, the child with autism plays with objects in order to block out other people. Sometimes the child just does not seem to be aware of the existence of other people.

Learning to share with other children

I love routine and order

• Help me to keep things in the right order
• Show me how to put things carefully back on the shelf
• Show me pictures of what you want me to do

Create a Positive Environment

• Encourage him to watch you ‘showing off’ with silly hats or funny clothes. You could try using face paints and then making different faces to him.
• Use photographs, or a mirror, to encourage the child to look at you, himself or other people.

Sharing Meaning

10 Essential tips for Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder

• ASD students don’t have to look at you all the time.
• Give them time to answer any of your questions.
• Asperger people need positive feedback to know they are on the right track.
• More in the document…

ASD and Learning

It is important to have a transition programme for your child…

Transitioning to school