Key Points:
- Autism sharing can be a challenging skill for children, but it is essential for social development.
- Positive reinforcement, modeling, and structured play routines are effective strategies to encourage sharing.
- ABA therapy can play a key role in teaching children with autism to share and engage in meaningful play.
For children with autism, learning to share and engage in cooperative play isn’t as intuitive as it may be for neurotypical children. This makes it important to approach these behaviors with clear strategies and structured support. So, how can we teach children with autism to share and play with others in meaningful ways? Let’s dive into practical approaches to help your child develop these skills.
What is Autism Sharing?
Autism sharing is the process of teaching children with autism to engage in behaviors like sharing toys, taking turns, and participating in social interactions. Sharing is a fundamental social skill, but it often does not come naturally to children on the spectrum due to difficulties with communication, social cues, and understanding others’ emotions.
In a neurotypical child, the concept of sharing is often learned through natural interactions with peers. However, for children with autism, these skills need to be explicitly taught using structured methods like ABA therapy. By breaking down the process into manageable steps and reinforcing positive behaviors, children can learn to share effectively and engage with peers in more inclusive play activities.
Why is Teaching Sharing Important for Children with Autism?
Teaching children with autism to share and play is essential for their long-term development and social integration. Sharing and playing together create opportunities for connection, emotional growth, and cognitive development. It also helps in fostering relationships with peers and family members. Here are some of the main reasons why teaching autism sharing is so important:
- Improves Social Skills
Sharing and cooperative play are key components of social interactions. When a child with autism learns these skills, they become better equipped to build friendships and engage in school or social settings. - Boosts Emotional Development
When children learn how to share, they also begin to understand concepts like empathy, fairness, and respect for others’ feelings. This helps improve their emotional intelligence and ability to manage emotions. - Enhances Cognitive Skills
Sharing and playing together can involve problem-solving, following rules, and understanding others’ perspectives, all of which are important cognitive skills.
Strategies to Teach Children with Autism to Share
Teaching a child with autism to share requires patience, consistency, and a structured approach. Below are some proven strategies that can help your child learn this vital skill:
1. Use Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is one of the most effective tools in ABA therapy. Rewarding your child for successful sharing behaviors can encourage them to repeat the action. Rewards can include verbal praise, stickers, or access to a preferred activity.
- What to do: Praise your child immediately after they share a toy or take turns with a peer. Positive reinforcement works best when it’s immediate and specific (e.g., “Great job sharing your car with your friend!”).
- Why it works: Reinforcing positive behaviors increases the likelihood that your child will repeat them. By associating sharing with positive outcomes, your child will be more motivated to engage in this behavior again.
2. Model Sharing Behavior
Children with autism often learn best by watching others. Modeling how to share can be a powerful way to teach the skill. You can model both verbal and non-verbal aspects of sharing, such as taking turns, asking for a toy, and giving it back when finished.
- What to do: Show your child how to share by taking turns during play. For example, you can say, “It’s your turn to play with the blocks. Now it’s my turn.”
- Why it works: Modeling helps children with autism understand the process and expectations of sharing. It also provides a real-time example of how to engage in social interactions.
3. Create Structured Play Opportunities
Structured play helps children with autism practice sharing in a controlled, predictable environment. You can introduce structured activities like board games, group activities, or even simple tasks like passing a toy back and forth.
- What to do: Set up situations where your child can share a toy with a peer, like passing a ball during a game or taking turns using the same toy.
- Why it works: Structured play provides clear expectations and helps children practice sharing in an environment that is consistent and manageable.
4. Use Social Stories
Social stories are short, illustrated narratives that describe how to behave in different situations. For children with autism, social stories can be an excellent tool for teaching the concept of sharing.
- What to do: Create a social story that explains the benefits of sharing, such as making friends and having fun together. Include simple, clear language and pictures to reinforce the idea.
- Why it works: Social stories break down abstract concepts like sharing into clear, understandable steps. They provide your child with a visual and verbal guide to follow.
5. Introduce Peer Models
Peer models, or typically developing children, can help guide your child in social situations. Pairing your child with a peer who understands sharing can encourage positive social behavior through imitation.
- What to do: Arrange playdates or group activities where a peer who is good at sharing can model the behavior for your child.
- Why it works: Peers provide natural models of appropriate behavior, which can motivate children with autism to follow suit. Positive interactions with peers also provide social reinforcement.
Overcoming Challenges in Autism Sharing
Teaching autism sharing can present challenges, especially for children who have difficulty with emotional regulation or sensory sensitivities. Here are some tips for overcoming common obstacles:
1. Address Sensory Sensitivities
Some children with autism have sensory sensitivities that make sharing difficult. For example, they may have a strong attachment to a particular toy or object and feel distressed if someone else wants to play with it.
- What to do: Introduce sensory-friendly toys or calming activities as part of the sharing process. Allow your child to share in a way that feels comfortable to them, such as sharing a toy for just a few minutes at a time.
- Why it works: By understanding and accommodating sensory sensitivities, you can make sharing feel less overwhelming and more manageable for your child.
2. Be Patient and Consistent
Learning to share is a gradual process, and it may take time for your child to fully grasp the concept. Be patient and consistent in your approach, and celebrate even small successes.
- What to do: Continue reinforcing positive sharing behaviors, even if your child is not always successful at first. Praise their efforts, no matter how small.
- Why it works: Consistency and patience provide a steady framework for your child to learn and grow at their own pace.
3. Set Realistic Expectations
It’s important to remember that not every child will learn to share in the same amount of time. Set realistic goals based on your child’s unique needs and abilities.
- What to do: Break the process of sharing into small, manageable steps. Start with short interactions, like taking turns with a toy, before gradually increasing the complexity of the task.
- Why it works: Gradual steps ensure your child is not overwhelmed and allow them to make progress at a comfortable pace.
Partner with Steady Steps ABA
Teaching autism sharing and play skills can be challenging, but with the right strategies and support, children can develop these essential social skills. ABA therapy, with its focus on individualized and structured interventions, is an effective way to teach children with autism to share and play in a meaningful way.
If you’re looking for support in teaching your child to share and develop other social skills, Steady Steps ABA is here to help. Our experienced team offers personalized ABA therapy services to children with autism, helping them navigate social interactions and build lasting relationships.
We proudly serve families in Maryland and surrounding areas. Contact us today to learn more about how our ABA therapy can support your child’s development and progress!
