Enhancing Eye Contact in Children with Special Needs: 10 Engaging Activities
Introduction
Eye contact is a crucial skill for social interaction and communication. For children with special needs, improving eye contact can significantly enhance their ability to connect with others. Here are ten engaging activities designed to help enhance eye contact in children with special needs.
1. Face-to-Face Playtime:
Get down to your child’s level and engage in play. Use toys, books, or games that they enjoy, making sure to position yourself so that your eyes are at the same level as theirs. This encourages them to look directly at you.
Example: Sit on the floor with your child, holding a favorite toy in front of your face. Say, “Look at the toy! Now look at Mommy!” as you slowly move the toy from in front of their eyes to yours.
2. Mirror Play
Use a mirror during playtime to make it easier for your child to see your face and eyes. Encourage them to look at their reflection and yours, making funny faces or expressions to capture their attention.
Example: Sit with your child in front of a large mirror and make silly faces. Say, “Can you see Mommy’s funny face? Now you try!” and encourage them to mimic your expressions while looking at both your reflection and theirs.
3. Peek-a-Boo:
A classic game that never gets old, peek-a-boo can be very effective. Hide your face behind your hands or an object, then reveal it with an enthusiastic “peek-a-boo!” This naturally draws the child’s gaze to your face.
Example: Cover your face with a cloth and then pull it away quickly, saying “Peek-a-boo! I see you!” Repeat this a few times, waiting for your child to look at your face before covering it again.
4. Eye-Level Interaction:
When teaching your child, make sure you are at eye level with them. Sit or kneel so that your eyes are on the same plane. This is especially crucial for children with special needs as it helps them to follow your cues and enhances their ability to make eye contact.
Example: Kneel down beside your child while they’re sitting on a chair. Hold a picture book at their eye level and point to the pictures, saying, “Look at the puppy! Can you see the puppy?” while looking into their eyes.
5. Sing Songs:
Sing interactive songs that involve looking at each other. Songs like “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” or “The Wheels on the Bus” can be great. Emphasize the actions and make eye contact during key parts of the song.
Example: While singing “The Wheels on the Bus,” pause at the end of each line to make eye contact and smile at your child, saying, “The people on the bus say ‘shh, shh, shh,’ all through the town.”
6. Use Visual Cues
Hold objects of interest close to your face to naturally draw their attention to your eyes. When they look at the object, gently encourage them to shift their gaze to your eyes by moving the object slowly towards your face.
Example: Hold a colorful ball near your face and say, “Look at the ball! Now look at Mommy!” as you slowly move the ball from in front of your child’s eyes to your face.
7. Imitation Games:
Play imitation games where your child copies your actions. Start with simple movements and expressions, ensuring you maintain eye contact throughout the activity.
Example: Clap your hands and say, “Can you clap like Mommy?” Encourage your child to clap and then make eye contact while smiling and saying, “Great job!”
8. Reading Together
Read books together, choosing ones with large, colorful pictures. Hold the book so your child can see both your face and the pictures, and point to the pictures while looking at them and then at your child, encouraging them to do the same.
Example: While reading a picture book, point to a character and say, “Look at the cat! Do you see the cat?” Then look at your child and wait for them to make eye contact before continuing.
9. Use Light and Sound:
Use toys that light up or make sounds to attract your child’s attention. Hold the toy near your face and encourage your child to look at you when they want the toy to be activated.
Example: Hold a light-up toy and say, “Do you want the toy to light up? Look at Mommy first!” Once your child makes eye contact, activate the toy and show your excitement.
10. Gentle Touch
When trying to gain your child’s attention, a gentle touch on their arm or shoulder can help. Once you have their attention, move your hand towards your face to encourage them to follow with their eyes.
Example: Gently touch your child’s arm and say their name. When they look at you, move your hand from their arm to your face and say, “Great job looking at Mommy!”
Conclusion
Improving eye contact in children with special needs takes patience and consistent practice. By incorporating these activities into your daily routine and ensuring that interactions occur at eye level, you can help your child develop better eye contact and stronger communication skills.