Communication Corner-- Engage in Social Routines

Persistent deficits in social communication is one of the hallmark diagnositc criterion for individuals diagnosed with autism. Therefore, this is an important area to focus on when designing interventions and when implementing functional communication training. Today's Communication Corner covers a wide range of social routines and ways to implement interventions within the classroom.

Sensory Social Routines
For some students, it may be necessary to begin working on social routines through simply gaining joint attention in an engaging way so the student develops social awareness. Repetitive songs and games with gestures are a great place to start such as Peekaboo, Wheels on the Bus, or Pat-a-Cake.

There are many gross motor games that can also be played to keep students engaged in the social routine such as Red Light, Green Light or Dance Freeze.

Sensory Social Routines with Objects
Incorporating objects into social routines is another great way to engage students to attend to the adult. Initially model the actions and phrases several times so the student understands the expectation, then use expectant waiting and pause to cue students to join in. For instance, when playing with cars on a track, model "1...2...3...GO!" and then release the car to go. After several models, set up the cars and say "1...2...3.........." and wait for the student to say "GO!"

Incorporate special interests or favorite toys to keep the student engaged such as balloons, water play, trains, marble runs, wind up toys, or musical toys.

There are many anticipatory games that can also be incorporated for 1:1 instruction or when working on turn taking with a small group such as Crocodile Dentist, Don't Wake Daddy, Pop Up Pirate, Dino Meal, Kerplunk, and Don't Break the Ice.

Beth Young
Snyder Park Elementary, Springfield

Scripts for Social Routines
As students begin attending more readily to others, begin to incorporate social greetings and common phrases using scripts. Sentence strips can be made to cue students in the moment.

Provide many opportunities to practice within the classroom.

Rachel Hatton
Normandy Elementary, Centerville

Carrie Prickett
Jane Chance Elementary, Miamisburg

You can also provide opportunities to generalize this skill by having students visit office staff or other school staff members to make deliveries and practice greetings.

To prevent students from becoming too robotic with their greetings and to keep it fun, introduce a variety of ways to greet others including slang, gestures such as handshakes, fist bumps, or high fives, and seasonal greetings and routines.

For more ideas on functional communication training skills check out our previous Communication Corner posts:

Escape

Protest

Attention

Requesting Items or Activities

Providing Feedback

Participating in Group Activities

Answering Questions
Asking Questions and Providing Feedback