Social Interaction | Category Options | Advancing Social-Communication and Play

This occurs when the child combines some type of gesture, such as pointing or reaching, and/or uses vocalizations while looking at that person to indicate that they want to continue a game or activity that has paused. This illustrates that the child is beginning to understand how to engage another person and that there is some shared enjoyment during a particular activity.

This occurs when a child uses some type of action to begin a preferred game or routine. The action could be a gesture, vocalization, verbalization, or an action that is utilized in that specific game or routine. Initiation of a familiar game or routine after at least 5 minutes shows that a child is beginning to develop preferred games and routines, recognizes the need for another person in those games or routines, and can recall the games or routines outside of the immediate context.

This occurs when the child and another person are engaged in a game that involves some type of back-and-forth exchange with either actions or objects. Participation in a reciprocal game shows that the child is beginning to understand the back-and-forth nature of interactions.

This occurs when the child is engaged in a game or routine with another person, and that person stops the activity. Then, the child uses some form of communication, potentially gestures, vocalizations, verbalizations or gaze, to indicate that they want more of the game or routine. A signal for continuation after a brief pause shows that the child is beginning to understand that his/her actions can influence the actions of another person.

This occurs when the child is engaged in a game or routine with another person, and looks at the person in expectation of an even or action. A look of anticipation during a game or routine shows that the child is beginning to recognize that their communication partner is contributing to the routine in some way and the child is expecting something to occur or continue to occur.

This occurs when the child expands familiar games and routines in different ways such as switching roles, including different people, adding a new step or element, or using new materials. Expansion of games or routines shows that the child is beginning to generalize social interaction skills to different people, settings, materials, or actions.

Category Option: Social Interaction

SI6. Child combines gesture and/or vocalization/verbalization with looking at person to show wanting game to continue.

SI4. Child initiates familiar games or routines.

SI3. Child plays back-and-forth games with objects or actions.

SI2. During face to face games, physical activities, or routines, after a brief pause child shows wanting the game to continue.

SI1. During face to face games, physical activities, or routines, child watches the adult closely.

SI5. Child expands games or routines.