Not Looking at Faces? Try This Stop–Go Game 👦🏽🛑 | Autism PT #23

👋🏽 Hi, I’m Amy Sturkey, a retired pediatric physical therapist with over 35 years of experience. In this video, I work with my co-instructor Eeshwar 👦🏽, a 13½-year-old with autism, on **learning to look at faces to guide movement decisions** using a simple, structured setup. Eeshwar is nonverbal and communicates primarily through movement (often pulling adults toward what he wants), with limited prompted use of a communication app. --- ⏱️ Timestamps 0:00 Introduction 0:40 Why looking at faces can be difficult in autism 1:00 Demonstration with sibling model 1:30 Eeshwar starts without checking for cues 1:45 Reset and try again 2:00 Improved attention to face 2:15 Adding a brief sound cue for inhibition 2:30 Final success and reinforcement 2:45 Variation ideas and takeaways --- 🎯 What We’re Working On This session focuses on: • looking at faces (social referencing) • following nonverbal cues • motor planning and timing • impulse control (inhibition) • engagement in a shared activity Many children with autism do not naturally use facial cues to guide their actions, so we need to teach this skill intentionally. --- 🟦 Setup We use: • carpet squares for clear stopping points • a straight path for movement • simple “go / stop” facial cues The child must **look at my face** to know whether to move forward or wait. --- 👦🏽 Using a Sibling Model Eeshwar’s younger brother, Maadhav 👦🏾 (4½ years old), goes first. This helps: ✨ show the expectation ✨ increase attention ✨ provide a clear visual model His mom, Sravani 💜, helps support attention during the activity. --- 🪜 Progression Eeshwar initially tries to move without checking for a cue, which is very typical. You’ll see: • an early attempt without looking • a reset for clarity • improving visual attention • better timing with movement Near the end, he attempts to go when he should stop, and I help him reset so he can finish correctly. --- 🔊 When Needed: Minimal Sound Cue I briefly add a quiet “eh-eh” sound to help inhibit movement. I prefer to keep this activity nonverbal, but a small auditory cue can support success while the visual skill is still developing. --- 🫧 Motivation & Engagement We use a clear structure: 👉🏾 first work, then bubbles Bubbles help maintain participation and effort. --- 🎯 Why This Matters Looking at faces helps with: • following directions • social interaction • safety awareness • shared attention This is a foundational skill for learning and communication. --- 🎥 Watch Eeshwar’s Full Video Series https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAkJbMrHyKjNhgwqxI9_oTLYJgDFfMmIu --- 🌐 Stay Connected Website: [www.pediatricPTexercises.com](http://www.pediatricPTexercises.com) Facebook: Pediatric Physical Therapy Exercises Email: [amysturkey@gmail.com](mailto:amysturkey@gmail.com) ⚠️ Disclaimer This video is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. It is unethical to provide specific treatment recommendations for a child I have not personally evaluated. --- 📚 Children’s Educational Books P is for Poop and Pee Accidents https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BLSRJ483 A is for Anxiety https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09LXQ3W6V A is for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08QH9H5HR C is for Cerebral Palsy https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088TSJCYP D is for Down Syndrome https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079P8HH49 A is for Autism https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071F4FFTB --- 📘 Professional Books for Pediatric Therapists Pediatric Physical Therapy Strengthening Exercises for the Hips https://www.amazon.com/dp/0998156736 Pediatric Physical Therapy Strengthening Exercises for the Knees https://www.amazon.com/dp/0998156760 Pediatric Physical Therapy Strengthening Exercises for the Ankles https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08TX2ZCFD --- 🌍 Captions To turn on captions: Click CC To translate captions: Settings → Subtitles/CC → Auto-translate