Manding, or the act of requesting, is a fundamental part of communication development for children with autism. It allows children to express their needs, reducing frustration and encouraging meaningful interactions. For parents, embedding manding opportunities into daily routines can create a natural and effective way to strengthen communication skills. The good news? You don’t need structured therapy sessions to practice manding—your everyday activities are full of teachable moments!
Why Everyday Routines are Perfect for Manding
Daily routines provide a structured and predictable environment, making them an ideal setting for learning new communication skills. The consistency of these routines helps children feel secure, reducing anxiety and allowing them to focus on learning. Because these activities are familiar, children are more likely to be engaged and motivated to communicate.
For example, if a child knows that breakfast happens at the same time every morning, they can anticipate the opportunity to request their favorite cereal, juice, or a spoon. This predictability allows parents to create a safe learning environment where the child is encouraged to make requests, reinforcing their ability to communicate in a meaningful way.
Examples of Manding Opportunities in Daily Life
Here are some common daily activities that naturally lend themselves to manding practice:
Mealtime
Mealtime offers multiple opportunities for children to request items. Encourage them to ask for specific foods, drinks, utensils, or assistance. For example, if your child wants a cup of milk, pause before giving it to them and encourage them to request it verbally or with a gesture.
Playtime
Play is a fun and motivating time to encourage manding. Encourage your child to ask for toys, activities, or even a play partner. If they want to build with blocks, wait until they request the next piece before handing it to them.
Bath Time
Bath time provides opportunities for your child to request water, soap, a towel, or adjustments to the water temperature. If they enjoy playing with bath toys, you can hold them out of reach until they request them.
Errands
Grocery shopping, visiting the park, or running errands all create opportunities for communication. Encourage your child to ask for items they want, such as a snack, a toy, or even help pushing the cart. This not only strengthens manding but also builds independence in real-world settings.
Transitions
Transitions between activities often require children to request help. Whether it’s putting on shoes, opening a door, or finding their backpack, encourage your child to ask for assistance instead of anticipating their needs. This builds confidence and helps them develop problem-solving skills.
Tips for Embedding Mand Practice in Activities
Use Modeling
Children learn by imitation, so model the desired request before expecting them to do it on their own. For example, if your child wants a cookie, you can say, “Cookie, please!” while holding up the cookie before prompting them to repeat the request.
Reward Immediately
Reinforce successful mands by immediately providing the requested item or action. This helps your child make a direct connection between their request and the outcome, increasing their motivation to communicate.
Start Simple
Begin with single words or gestures before progressing to more complex requests. If your child is nonverbal, using pictures or sign language can be a great way to encourage communication.
Incorporate Fun
Manding practice should be engaging and enjoyable. Use toys, games, and favorite activities to make the process more interactive. The more fun your child has, the more likely they will be to participate and learn.
Opportunities for practicing manding are everywhere—from the dinner table to the playground to the grocery store. By embedding communication practice into everyday activities, parents can create a supportive and natural environment that fosters their child’s growth. The key is to recognize these moments and encourage requests in a way that feels easy and enjoyable. With patience and consistency, manding will become a valuable tool that helps children with autism build confidence and independence in their communication skills.
Looking for more tips on manding? Download The Parent’s Guide to Manding: Simple Steps for Supporting Your Child’s Communication Journey here.
