Turn Taking Games For Autism

Turn-taking is one of those foundational life skills that seems simple on the surface—but it plays a major role in communication, social development, and learning. For children with autism or other developmental differences, learning how to take turns can sometimes require more intentional teaching and reinforcement. The good news? You can start building this skill early, and it can be both fun and rewarding for you and your child.

Turn-Taking Starts Earlier Than You Think

Believe it or not, turn-taking begins before your child ever says their first full word. Around the age of one, when babies start making simple sounds like “ooh,” “ba,” or “ma,” and repeat those sounds after hearing them—that’s turn-taking! These early vocal exchanges, even when they sound like babbling, are the foundation of conversational skills.

You may also notice turn-taking when you make a silly face or stick your tongue out, and your child mimics you. When you respond again with another funny face or raspberry sound, you’re already playing a back-and-forth game. These interactions are more than just cute—they're the building blocks of social engagement and communication.

Using Play to Teach Turn-Taking

As children grow, turn-taking becomes more structured and purposeful, especially through play. Think about games like Connect Four, stacking rings, or building puzzles together. These are perfect opportunities to introduce turn-taking in a way that feels natural and enjoyable.

Here’s a simple way to structure these interactions:

1. Model the behavior: Start by holding a game piece and saying, “My turn,” as you place it. Then hand a piece to your child and say, “Your turn,” while guiding them to do the same.

2. Use visual and verbal cues: Pairing your actions with clear verbal cues like “my turn” and “your turn” helps your child associate the words with the activity.

3. Add more complexity over time: As your child begins to understand the pattern, try handing them multiple pieces and prompting them to choose just one—this teaches restraint and decision-making, both of which are important parts of turn-taking.

4. Fade prompts gradually: Eventually, your child may recognize the turn-taking routine without verbal cues. For example, after you place a red chip in a game, your child may learn to wait and then respond with their move, even without hearing “your turn.”

Why Turn-Taking Matters in Everyday Life

Turn-taking isn’t just for games—it’s a life skill that shows up in many situations. From raising hands in a classroom to having conversations at the dinner table, taking turns helps children navigate social settings and build relationships.

For children receiving ABA therapy (applied behavior analysis), turn-taking is often one of the first social skills introduced. That’s because it lays the groundwork for more complex interactions like asking for help, sharing, and collaborating with peers.

In ABA, therapists may use structured play and reinforcement techniques to teach turn-taking in a way that’s individualized for each child. These strategies help ensure the skill becomes meaningful and generalized across settings—at home, in school, and beyond.

Making Turn-Taking Fun

Turn-taking should never feel like a chore—for you or your child. Incorporate it into your daily routines and favorite activities:

• Take turns pouring and stirring while cooking

• Alternate brushing each other’s hair

• Build a tower by placing one block at a time

• Read a book together, taking turns flipping pages

The more fun and natural it feels, the more likely your child will be to engage and learn.

Building Connection, One Turn at a Time

Turn-taking is more than a social nicety—it’s a vital step in helping your child connect with the world around them. Whether you're working on this skill through ABA therapy, at home during playtime, or with guidance from your child’s support team, remember: every small exchange is a chance to build communication and connection.