If you’ve ever thought, “I just wish my child could tell me what they want,” communication temptation may be one of the most helpful strategies you can try at home for your child with autism.
It’s a simple but powerful approach used in autism intervention to encourage children to communicate more independently and spontaneously, instead of only responding when asked.
Communication Temptations is a strategy to encourage children to communicate through creating small, everyday situations that give your child a reason to communicate. The key to this is the spontaneity or initiation of language.
Asking your child a question or using flashcards teaches them to respond to you or a stimulus that is presented. Instead, create opportunities within your daily routines that encourage your child to request, comment, or ask for help.
For example:
Children learn communication best when their words or actions help them get something they truly want. They become active initiators of communicating rather than just passive participants.
If everything is easily accessible or immediately available, there may be little reason for a child to initiate communication. Communication Temptations do not need elaborate setups. Opportunities can be created throughout the day in a natural and playful way during mealtimes, playtimes, bedtime or any daily routines such as putting on shoes, changing diapers etc.
It also helps build an important real-life skill:
That spontaneous communication is what truly helps children take the lead and understand the power of communication.
Think about your child’s favourite:
Motivation matters. Children are much more likely to communicate for things they genuinely enjoy.
Use clear containers, higher shelves, or closed boxes.
Your child should be able to see the item, but might need your help to reach or open it. Often, just seeing the item can encourage communication.
Instead of giving the whole snack or activity at once:
That natural pause creates an opportunity for your child to ask for more.
Start with simple, frequently used words such as “more”, “open”, “help”, “(ready, steady)…go” while showing the action. This keeps language short and consistent and can be applied in many different situations throughout the day.
Celebrate any effort your child makes:
If your child says “buh” for bubbles, that is still communication, and it should be reinforced immediately.
You can model the correct word naturally:
“Bubbles! Yes, bubbles!”
But avoid withholding the item until they say it perfectly.
When the child communicates, respond right away by giving the item, continuing the activity or offering praise. Any and all efforts should be reinforced immediately.
Not every opportunity created will elicit immediate communication and that is alright especially if your child is just starting their communication journey.
Create the opportunity again and promptly gently by modelling the word or sound again. As the child becomes more independent, the prompts can be gradually reduced.
This is the most crucial step for parents.
After setting up the moment, try not to jump in immediately. Pause for a few seconds and give your child time to process and communicate their desires even though you already know what they want.
Sometimes the magic happens in those few quiet seconds.
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Victoria Tan is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with a Masters of Education in Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) from Endicott College and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from the University of Washington.
Victoria has worked at Autism Partnership since 2015 and has experience working with children of varying age groups (ages 2-17) in one-on-one therapy sessions and in group settings. She has also been a school shadow-aide in various mainstream schools where she had to collaborate with both the school and the family to ensure a smooth transition for the child. Additionally, she has provided parent and helper training which guides caregivers in managing their child’s behavior in the community and at home.
As a Case Supervisor, Victoria manages and designs individualized education programs, supervises, leads and guides her teams as well as provides caregiver and staff training.
Contact us today to learn more about evidence-based autism treatment and individualized ABA therapy programs.
AP holds the belief that with quality Autism Partnership Method (APM) treatment, individuals with autism should reach their fullest potential and achieve the greatest degree of independence and highest quality of life possible.
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