Introducing the program
Emphasize the goal of “helping children learn to play”
Describe the target children (e.g., may not talk, may make funny noises)
Explain their job (e.g., “try your best to get the child to play with you”)
Describe general strategies (e.g., use simple language, use gestures)
Training specific behaviors
1) Initiating interactions with the target child
- Get the target child’s attention (e.g., face him, call his name, tap his arm)
- Offer a toy and suggest a play idea (e.g., “Let’s play ball” and offer ball)
- Join his activity (e.g., sit nearby, find similar materials, and do what he’s doing)
2) Responding positively to initiations and communication
- Recognize subtle nonverbal communication
- Repeat his verbalizations
3) Maintaining interactions
- Comment about ongoing activities (e.g., “You are throwing the ball”; “This is fun”)
- Reinforce interactive play (clap, smile, “Great”, “Gimme 5”, exaggerate positive affect)
4) Be persistent/ Expect rejection/ Keep on trying
5) Ignore or redirect unusual behaviors/ Call teacher if something worries you
