Toy Play in AutismToy Play in AutismBy Tracy Vail,MS,CCC/SLPBy Tracy Vail,MS,CCC/SLP

People PlayPeople Play Determine Child’s sensory profileDetermine Child’s sensory profile Provide input the child will likely find pleasurableProvide input the child will likely find pleasurable Stay connectedStay connected Watch for reactionWatch for reaction Build anticipationBuild anticipation Repeat as the child signals to continueRepeat as the child signals to continue Look for smiles, eye contact, social engagementLook for smiles, eye contact, social engagement

Examples of “People Play”Examples of “People Play”

Peek-a-booPeek-a-boo Ride on legsRide on legs Spin in circlesSpin in circles JumpingJumping DancingDancing Tickle gamesTickle games Chase (be careful!)Chase (be careful!)

Dancing with ElmoDancing with Elmo

First ToysFirst Toys Match to child’s sensory profileMatch to child’s sensory profile ““stimmy toys”stimmy toys” Be sure child doesn’t have access to “stimmy” Be sure child doesn’t have access to “stimmy”

toys when alonetoys when alone Be sure child connects to both you and the toyBe sure child connects to both you and the toy Watch to be sure the toy isn’t overwhelming the Watch to be sure the toy isn’t overwhelming the

childchild Help the child stay regulatedHelp the child stay regulated

Examples of Stimmy ToysExamples of Stimmy Toys

WheelsWheels TopsTops Ribbon sticksRibbon sticks Sticky toys- gak, creatures, puttySticky toys- gak, creatures, putty Spinning lightsSpinning lights Sound toysSound toys Music toysMusic toys

Brian TopBrian Top

Brian WheelsBrian Wheels

Cause-effect toysCause-effect toys

Use to engage child in pretend playUse to engage child in pretend play Demonstrate “effect” to get engagementDemonstrate “effect” to get engagement Stay in control of “cause” to increase Stay in control of “cause” to increase

motivation to communicatemotivation to communicate Say the “cause” as you manipulate the toySay the “cause” as you manipulate the toy Once engagement is made, pause and Once engagement is made, pause and

look at the child to get a signal to continuelook at the child to get a signal to continue Invite, don’t demand communicationInvite, don’t demand communication

Examples of Cause-Effect ToysExamples of Cause-Effect Toys

Horse barn that squirts waterHorse barn that squirts water Sink that quirts water and “cooks”Sink that quirts water and “cooks” Pretend food that you can cutPretend food that you can cut Weebles toys that rollWeebles toys that roll Pop beads on board that turnPop beads on board that turn

Gabby Horse BarnGabby Horse Barn

Beginning Role PlayBeginning Role Play Build a script or sequence of eventsBuild a script or sequence of events Engage in the sequence by yourself at first if Engage in the sequence by yourself at first if

necessarynecessary Give the child a role as engagement increasesGive the child a role as engagement increases Set up a problem and give child choices of Set up a problem and give child choices of

solutionssolutions Encourage problem solving and flexibility in Encourage problem solving and flexibility in

developing strategiesdeveloping strategies Avoid scriptingAvoid scripting

Examples of Role Play ToysExamples of Role Play Toys

DollsDolls Bob the Builder toy setsBob the Builder toy sets Thomas the Train tracks/play setsThomas the Train tracks/play sets Disney character play setsDisney character play sets Pretend food/kitchenPretend food/kitchen Housekeeping toysHousekeeping toys

Board/Card GamesBoard/Card Games Teach turn taking Teach turn taking Keep short and simple at first, gradually Keep short and simple at first, gradually

increase flexibilityincrease flexibility Teach appropriate “winner” and “loser” Teach appropriate “winner” and “loser”

communication.communication. Give plenty of opportunities for choice Give plenty of opportunities for choice

making/requestingmaking/requesting Modify games as neededModify games as needed Child should have a history of many “rule Child should have a history of many “rule

following” behaviors before teachingfollowing” behaviors before teaching

Examples of Board/Card GamesExamples of Board/Card Games

Chutes and LaddersChutes and Ladders Memory gamesMemory games Favorite TV character gamesFavorite TV character games UnoUno Go FishGo Fish

Abby Go FishAbby Go Fish