Ways to Push Your Autistic Child to Imitate You

A key component of skill development is imitation since it enables us to pick up new skills fast and effectively by observing people around us.Imitation evolves in a step-by-step fashion that begins with mimicking objects and finishes with copying language.According to research, imitation abilities are required for learning first words.Taking the time to teach your child through imitation is one way to provide the support for autism they need.In the first place, in order to push your autistic child to imitate you, you need to incorporate imitation activities in their day-to-day activities.There are various methods of imitation, and it's about discovering the method that suits the needs of your autistic child.Imitating your child's actions is another way to push your autistic child to imitate you.When you copy your child, they can learn how to copy you too.Learning doesn't always have to be structured and less fun.You can make learning interesting for your child by teaching through methods that your child will find entertaining.Below, learn more about ways to push your autistic child to imitate you.

Incorporate Imitation Activities into Their Routine

You can teach your child imitation by adding imitation activities into their routine.It might be best to start small and gradually increase the number of activities.Trying to start too much at once can overwhelm the childAlso, remember to motivate, reward, and commend.Be thrilled and truly delighted for them when they achieve success while remaining compassionate when they fail.Repeat the steps until success is achieved, and be sincere and enthusiastic in your praise when they succeed.Do not anticipate your youngster to be able to do this immediately or independently.Try to blend imitation practice into entertaining and amusing activities.

Imitate Their Actions

You can start by first imitating the child's actions.This is a simple way to push your autistic child to imitate you.As an illustration, if the kid is banging their hands on the table, stand next to it and imitate them.Here, it's crucial to wait and observe the child after copying the activity.When they repeat the action, you must as well.With practically anything your child does throughout the day, you can repeat this activity.As the parents imitate what the child is doing with a toy of his choice, it starts an interaction, motivates the child, and helps them pay attention to their parents.When a child imitates a parent, it frequently results in a reciprocal imitation cycle, which sparks interaction.This activity doesn't have to be done for very long; a few back-and-forth motions spread out throughout the day will be quite beneficial!

Make Learning Fun

You can push your autistic child to imitate you by making the learning process fun.Another alternative is to teach them to imitate you while they are playing.Children learn and grow via play, which is one of the most efficient means of doing so.Children are more likely to want to mimic what they see during play since they are having so much more fun.No doubt, they can pick up the most knowledge if you make learning enjoyable for them.If your child finds the game fascinating and entertaining, he will contribute more and learn more quickly.If you see that they're very interested in something, like an animal puzzle, you might even mimic the sounds of the animals as they fill in the pieces.In the event that sheep were introduced, you would exclaim, "Baaa, says the sheep."The alternative is to say "Moooo" when the cow is picked up.It will surprise you how often kids try to mimic your actions and words when there's fun in the mix.

Use a Mirror to Teach Facial Movements

Making expressions and sounds in front of the mirror is a fun method to practice imitating others with your autistic child.Through mirror play, it is easier to draw the attention of your child to what you are doing, and they will be more focused.Another advantage of mirror play is that they get to see themselves when they try out the expression you have asked them to imitate.Try out various facial emotions and actions, such as puffing your cheeks or delivering a kiss while facing a mirror.Then have your child do it.Give them the mirror so they may see themselves making facial expressions as they try to imitate you.Try adding humorous sounds while showing the faces to make it more engaging.

Provide Only Guidance

Although it is important to guide your autistic child through this learning process, try as much as possible not to do things for them.When first learning to imitate you, your child may need a lot of encouragement and support.To help them wave or exhibit a body movement, for instance, you may need to hold their hand and completely move it.However, the point of teaching a child a life skill is to equip them with the tools necessary to employ that talent on their own.It is, therefore, essential to lessen your assistance as soon as possible.To encourage your child to imitate, try using cues.This entails giving them ten seconds to see if they can do it by themselves or, if necessary, requiring hand-over-hand support.For instance, if the child has been using their hand to knock on a drum, you may help the child grab a drumstick.Next is to bang on the drum while holding the child's hand and then leave the child with the stick.

Conclusion

Autistic children learn how to develop their social and communication skills through imitation, which makes it an essential aspect of their growth and development.Thus, as a parent, there are a variety of things you can do to assist your autistic child in developing imitation abilities.Thus, the right therapy or support for autism can make a difference in your child's development.Here are some ways to push your autistic child to imitate you, including incorporating imitation activities, imitating your child's actions, making learning fun, using a mirror to teach facial movements and emotional expressions, and providing guidance but not doing things for them.

Resources

https://www.appliedbehavioranalysisprograms.com/faq/imitation-teaching-method/

https://psychcentral.com/autism/autistic-kids-tend-to-imitate-efficiently-not-socially#recap

https://luxai.com/blog/how-to-teach-imitation-to-children-with-autism/

http://www.hanen.org/Helpful-Info/Articles/Imitation-with-Children-on-the-Autism-Spectrum.aspx#:~:text=A%20common%20way%20to%20teach,access%20to%20a%20favourite%20toy.

https://www.mayinstitute.org/news/acl/asd-and-dd-child-focused/what-is-imitation-and-why-is-it-important/