Developing visual communication in children with autism spectrum disorder
translation: a. Ashwaq Al-Anzi
The ability to make eye contact is considered intuitive for most children, but for children with autism spectrum disorder, Making eye contact in social situations can be a challenge. In this article, We will review effective strategies to increase eye contact in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. By adopting various strategies.
Use of meal times: Mealtime is an ideal opportunity to promote eye contact. When the child’s eyes grow and his communication develops, You can use a spoon to attract his attention. He raised the spoon towards the space between your eyes and his eyes. Then smile at him and play with him while pointing the spoon towards his mouth. For young children and pre-schoolers, Try to wait until your eyes meet his before offering him food or a cup.
Play as a way to enhance communication: Use toys to increase eye contact in a child with autism spectrum disorder. Cover your face with your hands, then gently move them away, look into his eyes, and make sounds like “boo” or “peek-a-boo.” With a big smile, Or tickle and hug the baby and encourage him to interact with eye contact.
Playing in public places: Parents can take advantage of opportunities in public places to enhance eye contact. Such as swing and pool. So make eye contact with your child with autism spectrum disorder when you hold him to jump in the pool or when he plays while you push him on the swing. also, Parents can interact by making eye contact while blowing soap bubbles.
Enhance communication during conversations: Use attention-grabbing strategies during conversations with your child. Like call his name and wait a moment for him to turn to you. If he is absent in his game, Approach him gently and place your hands on top of him to break his concentration. Then call him by name again and wait for him to make eye contact.
Encouraging visual communication in verbal children with autism spectrum disorder: Parents can encourage them to make eye contact during conversations. Train them to make eye contact as they learn basic words and phrases like “hello,” “thank you,” “please”, Use visual communication to reinforce the concept.
Stimulate eye contact during their requests: When your child asks for something, Wait for him to look at you before you fulfill his request. Hold the toy or food in front of your eyes. When he turns his gaze towards them, Offer it to him and continue to reinforce eye contact.
Role Model : Role models embody the great importance of visual communication. Therefore, parents, service providers, and teachers must model eye contact while speaking with a child with autism spectrum disorder. Eye contact should be used even when busy using your phone or laptop.
Helping the child communicate: When a child with autism spectrum disorder fails to make eye contact at the right time, He can be encouraged by gently touching his chin. Or pointing to your eyes, Or holding his favorite thing in front of your eyes. Phrases such as “Where are my eyes” or “Look at me” can also be used to remind him of the importance of eye contact.
Older children with autism spectrum disorder can also be helped to communicate visually using different methods to enhance their visual communication. For example, If the child says something and looks away from you, You can tell his voice is a little low, Which encourages him to make eye contact with you while talking.
Stimulate eye contact through reinforcement: Eye contact can be positively reinforced through the use of supportive gestures and phrases. These phrases can include phrases like “I love the look you give when we talk” or “You look great when you look at me,” This enhances the child with autism spectrum disorder’s feeling of care and appreciation.
Daily exercise: Eye contact with a child with autism spectrum disorder should be practiced daily in various situations. Although eye contact may be difficult at first, However, continuous exercises will contribute to improving this ability over time.
Eye contact during social interactions: Eye contact can be important in building social relationships. By encouraging the child with autism spectrum disorder to use visual contact during social interactions, It will help him avoid embarrassment and isolation and achieve success in various social meetings.
in conclusion, Eye contact is an essential element in developing and improving communication skills in children with autism spectrum disorder. Through the strategies mentioned above and through patience and constant encouragement, Parents can enhance children’s eye contact and help them achieve successful communication in various areas of their lives.
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