What are some Examples of Net Therapy for Toddlers with Autism?

Natural Environment Teaching (NET) for toddlers with autism involves embedding learning opportunities into everyday routines and play activities. This child-led approach uses the child’s natural interests to build communication, social, and independence skills.

Examples of NET therapy for toddlers include:

  • Snack Time: Encouraging the child to request specific items, make choices between different foods, or practice taking turns with a snack.
  • Play with Favorite Toys: Using activities like building with blocks to practice labeling shapes and colors, or following the child’s interest in toy cars to model language like “car” or “go.”
  • Bath Time: Labeling body parts, practicing water play interactions, and modeling functional language such as “splash” or “bubbles.”
  • Daily Dressing Routines: Sequencing the steps to put on clothes, identifying clothing items, and prompting the child with phrases like “shoes on” to build independence.
  • Cleaning Up: Teaching the child to categorize objects, follow simple directions, and complete a task in a natural context.
  • Physical Activities: Using playground time or family games to practice social skills and communication in a setting where those skills will actually be used.

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