The posters included in this article are free, printable teaching tools. Full-size versions of the posters are also available for the cost of postage through Explorations Unlimited LLC.
Start slowly by bringing your child with autism to a playground and allowing him or her to just have fun. If possible, draw his or her attention to the other children, using simple language to help him notice just what's going on. "Look, that boy climbs the ladder. Next, he sits down. Now he slides. Uh oh -- that little girl is too near the bottom of the slide. She might get bonked!"
If possible, work with your child (or student) one on one before hitting the playground on a busy afternoon. The posters that follow will help you to teach skills step by step. It may take practice for your child with autism to truly grasp the complex physical and social demands of playground equipment and etiquette.
