Set up situations where the child has to look at your face before the “cool thing” happens. Example: Say to your child “tomorrow is” (in an excited voice) then pause until your child looks at your face. When she looks you say “Valentines Day” with a huge smile.

Set up situations where the child has to look at your face before anything happens. Example: Make a mad face when they are doing something they know you don’t approve of. My son was teasing his sister with words he knows I don’t like. I sat down next to him and made a mad face (it was very exaggerated) but when he finally looked at me he stopped to figure out what I was doing. Then moved on to something else.

Increase emphasis on nonverbals do everyday things nonverbally, play games, do chores ect. Example: Act out what you are trying to say with your body or gestures like charades. Play a simple card game with out talking. It’s fun.

Exaggerate your expressions and hold them for a long time (try counting to 30).

Be direct and ask “What is my face telling you?” or “What is her face telling you?”

These tips were written by Cindi Thompson a parent of an autistic child who has found RDI very successful at home with her entire family you can get more tips from RDI Connect.