Articles
Engaging games
Liz Day - Senior Therapist, Hon. BA, Rehab Dip.
We all know it is important that a child learn to interact and engage socially in order learn how to request wants and needs, for social and emotional enjoyment, and for learning reciprocal engagement (learning to take turns - going back and forth). Children on the autism spectrum often have difficulty learning to engage socially. Here are some fun, common games anyone can use to help an early communicator learn some of these skills:
Chase: This is a great game for children with lots of energy. Begin by you running after your child when they are running. While you are chasing them tell them to “Run, I’m going to get/catch you”. Be sure to be enthusiastic and make it fun. When you do catch them, say “I got you” and give a big hug or tickles. Repeat the game over and over and watch to see if your child begins to give you eye contact or begins to pull you to start the game. As your child learns the game add another step of learning the word “Stop” just before you catch them or add “Hug” or “Tickles” and watch the engagement between the two of you as eye contact or physical interaction or even words begin to be imitated, initiated and reciprocated.
Peek a Boo: Use a small blanket/towel or your hands to teach this early learning game of hiding your face and then removing your hands or blanket and say: “Peek a Boo” or “Where am I? - Here I am!” Repeat the game a number of times for your child to begin showing interaction, initiation and engagement. They may begin to look to find you, or pull at the towel or you hands or they may begin to hide themselves and take a turn! Again be sure to make it fun with lots of smiles and laughs.
Horsey Ride: Remember the game of up and down horsey rides on your parent’s leg? This is a great one to teach your child the words and concept of “UP/DOWN” as well as one they can easily initiate since they can simply come and sit on your leg to tell you they want to play. It is also a good one for children who enjoy the sensory feeling of going up and down. Watch for social engagement as they look at you to start the ride, or come to you to sit on your leg. You can also add to this one – slow and fast, go and stop. If they are saying words they can tell you if they want to go slow/fast, up/down, go/stop.
For any of these games you can add counting: “One, two, three…go” as well as fill in the blanks for those learning to talk “Oh you want ______ (tickles, hug, peek a boo, chase, up/down”. The more you repeat the game in a similar fashion, saying the same words, the quicker the child will learn to respond and begin initiating. Once they are initiating some engagement, add some more to the game to keep it exciting, learning and fun!
For more ideas read: "More than Words" by Fern Sussman, 1999
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