Play with your child with ASD for 5-10 minutes each day by sitting at their level on the floor. Talk about what they are doing using short, simple words and sentences without expecting them to repeat back. Name objects for them instead of asking them to label, avoid saying "no", use their name, and speak slowly while varying volume and pitch. Praise your child lavishly with facial expressions, hugs, and tickles to make playtime enjoyable.

1. Playing with your
child with ASD
© 2016 by Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co., Inc. All rights reserved.
Adapted from Let’s Talk: Navigating
Communication Services and Supports
for Your Young Child with Autism by
Rhea Paul, Ph.D., CCC-SLP & Donia
Fahim, Ph.D. © 2015 Paul H. Brookes
Publishing Co., Inc. All rights
reserved.
Use these practical tips to
make playtime with your
child with ASD enjoyable
for everyone!
Try to have 5–10
minutes each day
set aside for play.
Sit at your
child’s level (e.g.,
on the floor).
Talk about what
your child is
doing in short and
simple words or
sentences.
Do not expect
your child to repeat
what you say.
Tell your child
the names of objects
instead of asking
him or her to
label them.
Try to avoid
saying“no.”
Use the child’s
name at the end
of a sentence.
Slow down your
rate of speech and
vary your volume
and pitch in a
sing-song way.
Praise your
child lavishly,
using facial
expressions, hugs,
and tickles.