- Use a simple toy to help an autistic child practise taking turns
- Choose a game that has a clear ‘start’ and ‘end’
As my son grows up, I’m becoming increasingly aware how fundamental turn taking is to functioning in society. To learn the skill of turn taking you need to acquire patience and empathy. You need to follow rules, both explicit and implicit, to ‘read the room’ and adapt to changing situations, and learn to enjoy an activity in the company of others.
All things that a child with autism, like my son, finds difficult.
So, from the early days since his diagnosis, we have been practising turn taking at home, based on this game my son’s OT showed us. Here’s how it goes.
Choose the right toy
First, choose a toy that is most effective for practising turn taking. I recommend one that is:
- Extremely simple, that requires no extra cognitive engagement. All your child’s focus should be on simply moving or releasing a piece, watching it move, then allowing the other person to have their turn.
- Fun, so that your child is engaged and keen to repeat it over and over.
- Has a clear ‘start’ and ‘end’ point, so that your child is clear about when a turn starts and ends.
- Takes a very short time to ‘start’ and ‘finish’, so that your child’s turn comes round quickly.
For example, the ramp racer (pictured above, available on Amazon) ticks all the boxes. The game only requires players to hold the car at the top and release it. It’s fun to watch it roll down. The game clearly starts when you release the car, and finishes when it reaches the bottom. Each turn takes a few short seconds.
Share one piece between you
This is so that your child learns to pass the piece to their partner, which helps to visually and physically reinforce the idea of taking turns. It will also prevent them from trying to skip someone else’s turn.
For example, if the ramp racer comes with multiple cars, put all extra cars out of sight and only use one car. If your child tries to take it when it’s not their turn, say, ‘No, it’s mummy/daddy’s turn,’ and ask them to pass it to you.
If the game involves dice, only use one.
If it’s a cooperative game like building a tower of blocks, put the blocks some distance away so you both have to physically move to pick one up when it’s your turn. Or you could put them in a bag and take them out one at a time.
Repeat the word ‘turn’
Keep repeating ‘It’s [your child’s name]’s turn,’ ‘It’s mummy’s/daddy’s turn’, every time. This will help reinforce the idea of turn taking.
You can use this phrase throughout the day in everyday routines, such as passing the milk at the breakfast table, or brushing your child’s teeth.
Make it more advanced
Once your child has learned to take turns, try turning it up a notch by:
- Introducing another car, and holding one each. Your child may be tempted to skip your turn and keep rolling their car again and again, which is an opportunity to teach them to wait.
- Introduce another person, so that your child has to wait longer for their turn.
- Deliberately make a mistake and say it’s your turn when it’s your child’s. Encourage them to speak up and tell you that it’s their turn. You can start them off by saying ‘It’s….?’
- Use the toy to teach your child how to talk, and to say ‘Stop’ and ‘Go’.
Summary
Choose an easy, fast-paced game that has a clear beginning and end.
Level up by asking your child to hold a piece in their hand while they wait for you to finish your turn.
Autism Hacks 