In parallel activities, the key is to refrain from prompting and allow space for him to initiate. My early strategies focused primarily on narrating and establishing joint attention. With joint attention established, I then introduced prompts and modeled responses. Now, we’ve reached a point where prompting is being phased out, and what we can observe here is a significant improvement. He has progressed from having no interest in engaging, sharing, or requesting, to actively initiating interactions on his own. This transformation highlights the effectiveness of creating a supportive and unpressured setting for his development, allowing him to express himself naturally and confidently. By providing an environment that encourages independence and respects his pace, he has transitioned from needing guidance to taking initiative in his communication. 📔eBook on Joint Attention & collection of activities, link in BIO 🔗 📌Parallel Activities: Spontaneous Communication Opportunities Parallel activities provide spontaneous communication opportunities for children, especially those who may struggle with direct interaction. Here’s how they work for Michael: 1. Natural Engagement: By participating in parallel activities, Michael is naturally engaged in an environment where communication can occur organically. He can observe and mimic without the pressure of direct interaction. 2. Shared Focus: When the both of us are involved in similar activities, it creates a shared focus. This common ground can lead to spontaneous conversations and exchanges, making communication feel more natural and less forced. 3. Observation and Imitation: Michael can learn and practice new words and phrases by observing my actions and speech. Imitation becomes a key tool for learning, as he picks up on language and social cues in a relaxed setting. 4. Reduced Pressure: Parallel activities reduce the pressure to communicate, allowing him to engage at his own pace. This environment encourages him to initiate communication when he feels comfortable, leading to more genuine interactions. 5. Encourages Exploration: These activities provide a safe space for Michael to explore his interests. As he engages in activities he enjoys, he is more likely to express himself and communicate about what he is doing. 6. Building Confidence: Repeated exposure to parallel activities helps build his confidence in his communication abilities. As he sees his attempts at communication being acknowledged and understood, he becomes more willing to initiate further interactions. #heartwarming #parenting #autism #ASL #signlanguage #nonspeaking #nonverbal #autismawareness #autismjourney #neurodivergent #parentingtips #representationmatters #cute #handsome #toddlermom #autismadvocate #autismparenting #parentingautism #communication #inspiration #motivation