Modeling
At the highest levels of education, modeling is used to demonstrate tasks to students. Even surgeons learn by watching more experienced surgeons perform procedures. When no one’s life is on the line, modeling can happen side by side. In the photo above, Michael’s friend, O makes a s’more right next to Mikey. Without words, his friend can show him what to do.
Modeling can also help prolong an activity. By biking next to his friend M, Mikey found it more fun and could participate for a longer period of time.
In more complex activities, like facetiming with Will, me sitting beside Mikey and participating together gave him an ongoing model of what to do. It also made the conversation easier on Will because I could help and answer questions. Mikey could participate at his own level, giving his brother the biggest smiles.
I hope modeling and peer modeling will be another tool you can add to your arsenal to increase your child’s skill level and ability to participate. Lots of fun lies ahead in participating together.
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About the Author
Erica Mauro is a mom to two teenage boys, Will who is neurotypical and Michael with Autism and cognitive delays. She holds a BA in Psychology from Colgate University and a Masters of Psychology in Education from Columbia Teacher’s College. Before staying home with her children, she worked as an elementary school teacher. For five years, she served on the Board of Directors of the Molly Ann Tango Memorial Foundation, a charity dedicated to enriching the lives of children with special needs. In partnership with her husband Dave, she aspires to parent by using daily life as an opportunity for therapeutic intervention, seizing on real experiences as opportunities to build skills and strategies for Michael in a joyful, loving home environment. On the tougher early days, she just tried to get everyone safely to bedtime and start fresh in the morning. *wink* 
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