This is a video model that was used to introduce the game. In this case, Zimbos was used as a Maker Game, where each person took a turn choosing a piece and building the structure. We used a Choice Board that we created as a visual support and this made a construction or building game kind of like a board game and children are more used to taking turns with board games. This video also shows how to introduce the language that we often taught with this game.

For many children, co-creating or co-building anything is difficult, and it is easier to start with something like this Zimbo's Game Case-in-point, co-building with Lego Blocks is terrible for most children because most children are used to constructing with blocks alone where they can control the entire process. Zimbos, modified in this way, has just enough blocks, just enough novelty, just enough structure that most children could co-build with another child or an adult without becoming frustrated. Later, we might try to teach children to co-build a Lego structure or draw a picture together.

Location prepositions are the language goal in this game. This child is also learning to take turns as both the verbal direction giver and the verbal direction follower. Many children with ASD have programs that are weighted toward the child learning to follow directions and need more practice telling others what to do.

This game teaches children to be think flexibly, play with words, and use toys creatively.

Endless variations of this game are possible, including a version described below called HOT! My Rule Is.....

MY RULE IS... Here is the way this game is played:

1) Everyone takes a chair in a circle of chairs

2) The Rule Maker says "My rule is, when I say the name of an animal, everyone move chairs. Foot, clock, book, zebra!"

3) Everyone shakes their head No, when the word is not an animal and quickly moves to a new chair when they hear the name of an animal.

4) A new Rule Maker is chosen and says "My rule is, when I scratch my nose, everyone move chairs. (then flaps like a bird, stomps their feet, wiggles their fingers, sticks out their tongue, and then scratches their nose!

5) Everyone moves and a new Rule Maker is chosen......

This little alligator's mock threat serves to create a context for sharing emotions. We share anticipation; we are mock frightened together. Shared giggles dissipate anxiety when he bites. Shared mock indignation next as we scold the alligator for his wicked ways.

In this small group game, each player gets a turn to be the monster and the other players decide how to call out the Monster who is hiding. They call in a loud voice, a quiet voice, a silly voice and so on. When the Monster comes out, everyone screams.

Transitioning through games is easy when using a visual schedule. See this example of ending one game and starting another with this visual support.

In this video, a therapy session is ended with a Goodbye Song. Many children have trouble ending a play session where they are enjoying themselves. Having a clear ending routine like this song makes the transition so much easier. Most the parents at my clinic began to use this song when it was hard for their child to leave other places like the library, the store, grandma's house.