Intensive interaction aims to develop very early communication, establish a positive relationship with a child, and build trust between a child and their communication partner. It teaches a child to observe, copy an adult (or another child), and builds cognitive curiosity, which will be the base for all other learning. A child also learns to share and exchange, which is the first step to more sophisticated ways of communication, such as picture exchange.
How to do it? First, copy your child. Go to their level (sit on the floor or kneel), and repeat all their movements, gestures and noises. You can make a special toy box, which your child will not have access to, and you will use only for intensive interaction. Have all the toys in this box doubled. They don’t need to be identical, but must be similar, for example two teddies, two balls etc. The toys do not need to be expensive or beautiful. They don’t need to be toys at all. They can be everyday objects that are attractive to your child. The important thing is to have everything doubled. For lots of children, little sensory toys are a perfect choice. Give your child a box and open it. Whatever toy they take, you take the same one and play in the same way your child plays. Just don’t copy the unwanted behaviours. If, for example, a child puts a toy into their mouth, you can touch your chin with a toy instead. Soon, your child will start to observe you. Then, they will want to take a toy from you. When they reach for your toy, you do the same. Reach for their toy and exchange. Initially, your child will want both toys, but soon, they’ll learn to enjoy the exchange. Do a few sessions this way.
Where and when? You can do intensive interaction everywhere. You don’t need to have toys with you. You can just copy what the child does. You can do it on the playground or the bus, or copy their vocalisations when they are in the bath. Do it as often as you want and for as long as you want, as long as your child is happy. Be careful not to overstimulate them emotionally. A massive meltdown can follow if you play too hard.
When your child becomes familiar with intensive interaction, waits for it, looks at you, and loves to exchange toys, they will soon expect you to copy them. They will make different movements, actions, or noises for you to copy. When you feel that this moment has come, try to change the pattern. For example, if your child puts his toy on the windowsill and expects you to do the same, you put your one on the floor under the windowsill instead. Look how your child will react. Will they be disappointed and unhappy? If yes, come back to your old playing routine. But, they might put their toy next to your one. If they do this, you have taught them very important skills – looking, paying attention, and copying. Now, you need to practice it. When it’s well established, and your child copies your actions, you are there! Your child is ready to learn.
Intensive interaction can also be used for children on a slightly more advanced developmental level who suffer anxiety, struggle with emotional regulation, or have a very short attention span. This will help you build trust, which is needed for all other interventions. When nothing works, do the intensive interaction and see what happens.
If a child has an older or more able brother or sister, encourage them do intensive interaction with your child. Soon, they will start playing together, which will have a positive impact on your child’s social skills development.
Official website: www.intensiveinteraction.org
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