Teach sharing to autistic children using visual timers, modeling, and positive reinforcement during structured play.
How to Teach an Autistic Child to Share?
Start with first-then boards: "First your turn, then friend's turn." Use sand timers for 1-2 minutes per turn. Model by sharing toys yourself while narrating, "Now you try."
Practice in short sessions, 5-10 minutes daily. Research shows visual supports increase sharing compliance by 60% in autistic kids.
Proven Steps
- Pair preferred toys with turns.
- Praise immediately: "Great sharing!".
- Fade prompts gradually.
Social stories with pictures reinforce the concept over time. At Steady Strides ABA in Texas and New Mexico, we build sharing skills through play-based therapy. Reserve your home visit today.
FAQs
What tools work best?
Timers and first-then boards.
How long per session?
5-10 minutes daily.
Does praise help?
Increases compliance 60%.
Sources:
- https://www.simplypsychology.org/positive-reinforcement.html
- https://theeducatorsspinonit.com/using-toys-to-model-appropriate/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11527399/












