Encouraging Social Interaction

Part of the therapist's role in the classroom setting is to encourage social interaction. The interventions used to promote social integration during recess, lunch and play activities typically include modeling as well as verbal and visual prompts. The child may be rewarded for social interactions as well. A therapist will have specific social goals that the child is working for in the school setting. Some of the social goals include maintaining appropriate boundaries as well as initiating play with other students. Many children with autism have great difficulty reciprocating play. A therapist or teacher can encourage the child to reciprocate appropriate play with other students through verbal prompts and praise.