Effective Strategies for Teaching Turn-Taking and Sharing Skills to Children with Autism

Teaching turn-taking and sharing to children with autism can be a challenging but rewarding process. These skills are essential for building social connections and improving communication. Children with autism often struggle with understanding social cues and managing interactions, so targeted strategies can make a significant difference in their development.

This post explores practical methods to help caregivers, educators, and therapists support children with autism in learning these important social skills.

Child and adult practicing turn-taking with a board game

Understanding the Challenges

Children with autism may find turn-taking and sharing difficult because these skills require recognizing others' perspectives and controlling impulses. They might:

• Prefer routines and predictability, making it hard to wait for their turn.

• Have sensory sensitivities that make sharing objects uncomfortable.

• Struggle with communication, leading to frustration during social play.

  
  

Recognizing these challenges helps tailor teaching approaches that meet each child's unique needs.

Use Visual Supports to Clarify Expectations

Visual aids can provide clear guidance on what is expected during turn-taking and sharing activities. Some effective tools include:

• Picture schedules showing the sequence of turns.

• Timers to indicate how long a turn lasts.

• Social stories that describe sharing and turn-taking in simple language.

  
  

For example, a timer set for two minutes can help a child understand when their turn ends and when to pass the toy or activity to someone else. Visual supports reduce anxiety by making social rules more concrete.

Start with Structured Activities

Begin teaching turn-taking and sharing in controlled settings where distractions are minimal. Structured games and activities provide clear rules and predictable outcomes. Examples include:

• Simple board games like "Candy Land" or "Chutes and Ladders."

• Passing a ball back and forth.

• Taking turns building with blocks.

  
  

During these activities, adults can model appropriate behavior, praise attempts, and gently guide the child when needed. Structured practice builds confidence and sets a foundation for more spontaneous social interactions.

Use Positive Reinforcement to Encourage Skills

Rewarding positive behavior motivates children to repeat it. Reinforcement can be:

• Verbal praise like "Great job waiting for your turn!"

• Small rewards such as stickers or tokens.

• Access to a preferred activity after successful sharing.

  
  

It is important to reinforce not only the behavior but also the effort. For example, if a child waits patiently even if they struggle, acknowledging this effort encourages persistence.

Teach Emotional Regulation Alongside Social Skills

Turn-taking and sharing often require managing emotions like frustration or impatience. Teaching children ways to cope with these feelings supports smoother interactions. Techniques include:

• Deep breathing exercises.

• Using a calm-down corner or sensory tools.

• Labeling emotions with simple words or pictures.

  
  

Helping children recognize and express their feelings reduces outbursts and increases their ability to participate in social exchanges.

Practice in Natural Settings

Once children show progress in structured environments, encourage practice in everyday situations. This might involve:

• Sharing toys during playdates.

• Taking turns in classroom activities.

• Waiting in line at the playground.

  
  

Natural settings provide real-life opportunities to generalize skills. Adults should provide support and reminders as needed, gradually fading assistance to promote independence.

Collaborate with Professionals and Caregivers

Consistency across home, school, and therapy settings enhances learning. Sharing strategies and progress with everyone involved ensures a unified approach. Professionals such as speech therapists, occupational therapists, and behavior specialists can offer tailored advice and resources.

Caregivers can also benefit from training on how to reinforce turn-taking and sharing skills effectively.