Exercise 1 – For Parents
| Strategy | Examples | Use this when… |
| Teach your child how to point and comment on things that catch their attention in their surroundings.
Try to teach them by example. |
Take your child outside for a walk, and notice your surroundings.
Use your hand to point at any flowers, trees, or birds that you find interesting. Point to nearby plants or birds, and say the word “flower/ bird” to draw your child’s attention. Encourage your child to do the same, when they notice something interesting in their surroundings, and praise them each time. They can begin by pointing at first and then adding the relevant word. |
You would like to teach your child how to produce a tact (comment) in order to share their experience or to draw attention to something. |
Exercise 2 – For ASD Professionals
| Strategy | Examples | Use this when… |
|
The therapist gives the requested item (e.g., chocolate) as soon as the pupil requests it and repeats the word. To further emphasise the meaning, the therapist then repeats the word in the same situation. |
The adult has control over the child’s reinforcers or the reinforcers are not available for the child. This situation creates the necessary motivation for making requests. The desired object (e.g. chocolate) can be obtained without the individual actually saying the word. They must first make a request by whatever means possible (such as visual contact, pointing). The individual discovers that communicating with others yields fruitful outcomes. Next, as communication develops, the therapist assists the learner in pronouncing or signing the real word. |
You would like to teach a child a mand (request) – the most basic type of language. |
