Visual strategy for autism social skills training: using a toy balance - Social Skills Activities for Children with Autism

Inexpensive toy balances are terrific for teaching and practicing reciprocity in conversation and social interaction. If you have one on hand for your work with kids on the spectrum, I think you may end up using it frequently, as I have in my own work.

This illustrated tutorial shows you how to use the manipulate the balance and place 3×5 cards on the balance to demonstrate how to have a “balanced” conversation in which both people take and equal part. Children on the spectrum who many sometimes “monologue” can find this hands-on learning method engaging and valuable.

Children all understand how balance scales work. You can use balance scales to demonstrate "balance" in relationships and conversation.

Conversation is like a balance. One person says something and the other person says something back.

Then, the first person says something else.

And the second person says something in response. You put a card on one side of the scale or the other as the two people talk back and forth.

You can demonstrate what an unbalanced conversation looks like - by putting most of the cards on one side of the scale.

You can use the balance to practice balanced conversations with the child.

You can use the balance to demonstrate balanced conversation between two children.

You can use the balance to demonstrate balanced conversation between two puppets.

In a similar manner, you can use the toy balance to demonstrate reciprocity in social interaction. You can use the balance to demonstrate such social skills essentials as taking turns, giving and receiving, and paying back favors. The following pictures demonstrate how to use the balance and what to say while you are teaching.