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<\/a> <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nFact-checked by Vincenza De Falco, Autism & Learning Disabilities Specialist Coach.<\/a> <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Scroll down to learn how to teach an autistic child to point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this post, we'll cover:<\/p>\n
A pointing gesture is the hallmark of non-verbal communication. It also helps build the foundation for verbal communication. In typical development (TD) children, the onset of gestures, like pointing, prognosticates the onset of similar spoken words. Research<\/a> suggests that such gestures are just as fundamental to vocabulary development in children with autism and other developmental disorders as they are for TD children. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is important to understand that your child will not point to anything unless they want to. You can bring out the best books and toys, but they won’t point out if they are not interested. To bring out the best in your autistic child, you must find reliable stimuli they are interested in. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is crucial to choose the right activity<\/a> to do with a child with autism. Try to think of things and activities that they\u2019ll find appealing and fascinating. From a favorite toy to a cookie, it can be anything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now that you have the child\u2019s attention move the object of interest away. Keep it close enough so that they try to reach out for it. Let them grab the object and praise them for reaching out as they reach out. Gradually, move the objects further away. Here are a few ideas to model the behavior you want and help your autistic child point out and reach out for the object:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These are a few helpful techniques that you can use to teach your autistic child to point. Find what works for your child the best. Remember that teaching an autistic child to a point is easier said than done. The child is likely to get frustrated, especially in the beginning. If you see them getting aggravated or frustrated, it is advisable to take a break.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Repetition is the key to success regardless of what you may teach your autistic child. Children with autism learn at their own pace. So, it may be a while before your child starts to point independently as a way of communicating. So repeat the process as frequently as possible (without frustrating the child).\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, incorporate pointing into their daily routine. Don\u2019t get fazed by the resistance. Instead, keep a strong resolve and repeat until your child learns to point. Don\u2019t forget to encourage them and offer praise every time they manage to point toward an object. A little appreciation can go a long way!\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Positive reinforcement<\/a> is one of the best behavior management strategies. A great time to reinforce pointing for your autistic child is when they want something from you. For instance, if your child wants a cookie and is dragging you towards the jar, stop to point at the cookie and say, \u201cCOOKIE.\u201d Take their hand and help them point at the cookie. Offer them the cookie only when they have pointed towards it successfully, even if it was with your help. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
