Autism Video Modelling to Teach Play Skills: Block Tower

Video modelling is a form of observational learning, which promotes desired behaviours through the observation of a video model and subsequent imitation. Video modelling has been considered an easy and effective means of teaching social skills such as turn taking, pointing to objects, requesting and sharing, in addition to self help skills such as dressing and feeding and appropriate play skills. Research indicates that this method of teaching is highly effective in eliciting positive behavioural change.

Rather than a traditional model in the form of a therapist or parent, our videos use a peer model providing a greater level of relatability. We target age appropriate skills, designed to increase greater independence and encourage age appropriate play choices. While our videos are intended for use by therapists in the home or educational setting, parents and teachers have also reported great outcomes from the use of our videos.

Throughout this video, Katie demonstrates how to play appropriately with blocks. Katie opens the container and tips the blocks out. She builds a tower, although it falls down. Katie does not become upset when the tower collapses, providing a fantastic example of emotional regulation which can be highlighted to a young person with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Katie then rebuilds the tower and knocks it down herself. Finally Katie can be seen packing the blocks away.

For this particular video, there are a number of ways it can be used to teach appropriate play skills. Here are some examples:
Seat your child in front of the video with similar play resources. Have the child copy the play sequence at the same time Katie is modeling the play behaviour. Provide hand over hand assistance if required.
Seat your child in front of the video with similar play resources. Watch Katie perform the first play step and pause the video. Have your child copy the play step, providing hand over hand assistance if required.
Watch the whole video first. Then have your child copy the sequence of steps with his/her resources.
Watch the video with no sound. Provide a verbal cue to your child before Katie performs a step. For example, say to your child “Do that” and point to the screen.

Do you have any other suggestions on how our videos can be used? Be sure to comment on our video below!