Similar to being taught count or read, some individuals with autism need to be taught play. Because autism is a communicative disorder, children with the condition may not readily pick up on the social cues required to play a game with peers or understand the appropriate use of a particular toy. Teaching a person with autism play, therefore, needs to be a systematic process similar to the way any other type of behavior would be taught.
Instructions
Teach Independent Play to the Autistic
1. Set goals for playing that coincide with the child's current skill level. When teaching a new task, you will want to start simple and then build up. If the child is just starting to place pegs in holes and put together simple puzzles, you will want to choose activities that are at the same basic skill level. If play is viewed as too difficult, then it will be much harder to motivate the child to play independently.
2. Select toys and activities of interest. You will have more success in teaching play skills if the child is interested in the object or activity you are promoting. If the child loves Dora the Explorer, then provide a Dora puzzle or ball. Make sure you show the child what to do with the toys or participate in the activity you set up. Remember, you are teaching play skills in the same way you would teach any other skill. Once the child seems to understand what you want, fade away and give her a chance to play independently.
3. Use a model to demonstrate appropriate play. If you want the child to play appropriately with a car, rather than flip the car over and continually spin its wheels, have another child in the room playing appropriately. You may also use a peer model to help cue the child as to what to do next if they are participating in an activity.
4. Reinforce the child for appropriate play. If you are teaching appropriate use of a toy, reinforce the child with praise or an edible treat each time they play appropriately. You will want him to pair appropriate play with something positive. If you are trying to motivate him to play alone or participate in a social activity, set a timer and reinforce his participation each time it goes off.
5. End the playing session on a high note. You will want to end the activity after a period of time you previously decided was appropriate. The child will be more motivated to play again in the future, if she remembers it being fun, rather than recalling a long time period where she were bored or not allowed to escape when she chose to.
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