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Autism news: Keep your child learning and motivated
August 16, 2018
Hello!

When my son was going to speech therapy his therapist used a very simple technique to keep C motivated and paying attention.

This technique can be used not only for speech therapy, but also in learning many different skills or subjects.

She would very often pull out a game to play with C.

So if she wanted to teach or review some words, C would have to say the word she wanted him to say before he could have his turn. Once he had his turn, then she would of course take her turn. Then C would have to say the next word before taking his next turn.

Not only did the games keep C motivated, it reinforced the concept of turn-taking as well as the articulation of words, or whatever his therapist was teaching him at the time.

And as you probably know, learning the concept of turn-taking is essential to learning the give and take of conversation.

Some of C’s favorite games included Candy Land, Chutes and Ladders, and Connect Four.

Candy Land was probably his absolute favorite. For years after he was introduced to the game, he would ask for “Grandma Nut” whenever he wanted some nuts to eat!

All of those games are really simple and easy-to-understand.

With most lower-functioning children it’s important to use simple games. If the child doesn’t understand the game, she’ll have a hard time playing it and that will ruin any motivation you are trying to achieve.

If you don’t have any simple board games you don’t have to run out and buy one (unless you want to). You can make your own game out of materials you probably already have in your home.

I plan to talk more about how to make your own game soon in an upcoming email.

Til next time,

Kay Donato

Discover Autism Help, LLC

https://www.discoverautismhelp.com

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