An ABA perspective sharing is an essential social skill that can be challenging for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). For many children with ASD, sharing toys might be difficult due to struggles with communication, understanding social cues, or attachment to specific items. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) offers targeted strategies to help children develop this skill at a comfortable, individualized pace.
Why Sharing Can Be Challenging for Children with ASD
For many children with ASD, toys and objects are highly preferred items that may offer comfort or sensory enjoyment. The idea of giving them up, even temporarily, can create feelings of anxiety or confusion. Additionally, children with ASD may have difficulty interpreting social expectations or understanding why others would want to use their toys. However, sharing is a skill that can be developed over time with careful planning and the right strategies.
ABA Strategies to Teach Sharing
ABA strategies focus on breaking down complex behaviors, like sharing, into manageable steps. Here’s how you can begin to teach your child to share using ABA principles:
1. Start Small with Preferred and Non-Preferred Toys
Begin teaching sharing with toys your child is less attached to, so they can practice the behavior without becoming overwhelmed. Once they are comfortable with less preferred items, gradually introduce toys they enjoy more.
2. Model and Prompt Sharing
Show your child what sharing looks like by modeling the behavior. For example, during playtime, say, “I’m going to share this car with you,” and gently place the toy in front of them. Use prompts like “It’s your friend’s turn,” and gradually fade these prompts as your child becomes more comfortable sharing.
3. Use Reinforcement to Encourage Sharing
Reinforcement is crucial in ABA. Provide praise or a small reward each time your child successfully shares a toy, even if it’s only for a short time. For instance, say, “Great job sharing the ball!” and reward them with a preferred item or snack. Over time, they’ll start associating sharing with positive outcomes, which will increase the likelihood of repeating the behavior.
4. Introduce Turn-Taking Games
Turn-taking games are an excellent way to build sharing skills. Games like rolling a ball back and forth, building blocks together, or even sharing a board game encourage children to give up an item temporarily and build patience. These games also help them learn to wait for their turn, a key aspect of sharing.
5. Practice Social Stories About Sharing
Social stories are personalized stories that explain specific social situations. Create a story that describes sharing in a fun, relatable way. For example, “When I share my toys, my friend is happy, and we both have fun!” Reading this story regularly can help your child understand the concept of sharing more clearly.
6. Gradually Increase the Duration of Sharing
Start by having your child share a toy for a few seconds and then return it. As they become more comfortable, gradually increase the time they share. For example, start with 5 seconds, then 10 seconds, and so on. This gradual increase makes the process manageable for the child and reduces the likelihood of anxiety or frustration.
7. Use Visual Supports to Reinforce Sharing
Visuals, like a “My Turn/Your Turn” card, can help children understand when it’s their time to share and when they’ll get the toy back. Visual supports are especially beneficial for children with ASD who are more responsive to visual cues than verbal instructions.
How ALON Behavior Consulting Can Help
ALON Behavior Consulting specializes in individualized ABA programs designed to fit each child’s unique needs and strengths. Our Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) collaborate with parents and caregivers to create a custom plan that focuses on teaching socially significant skills like sharing.
At ALON Behavior Consulting, we provide:
Individualized Assessments: We assess each child’s current skills, preferences, and challenges with sharing and other social skills to create a targeted plan.
Natural Environment Teaching (NET): Sharing skills are taught in natural settings, such as during playtime with siblings or peers, to ensure children practice skills in real-world situations.
Parent Training and Support: We work closely with families, guiding them on how to reinforce sharing skills at home and helping them create opportunities for positive social interactions.
Consistent Monitoring and Adjustment: Our team regularly evaluates progress, making any needed adjustments to ensure that the child’s learning remains on track and comfortable.
Supporting Your Child’s Journey to Sharing
Teaching a child with ASD to share requires patience, persistence, and positive reinforcement. Each child’s journey with sharing is unique, and it’s essential to celebrate small milestones along the way. Through carefully applied ABA strategies and the tailored support of ALON Behavior Consulting, children with ASD can develop the ability to share and participate in enriching social interactions, helping them build meaningful connections with others.
If you’re interested in learning more about how we can support your child’s development, please reach out to ALON Behavior Consulting for more information.
