Building the ability to wait and take turns in children

Supporting children in learning to wait and take turns: Fostering patience and engagement

Learning to wait and take turns is an essential skill for children as they navigate social interactions and daily routines. These abilities help foster smoother interactions with peers, family members, and others around them, ultimately making shared activities more enjoyable and less stressful. For children with autism, these skills may take some time to develop, but with understanding, patience, and the right support, they can gradually become more comfortable with waiting and turn-taking in different settings.

This journey is not about making children conform to expectations but rather about guiding them in a way that aligns with their unique developmental trajectory. Children with autism may have different sensory experiences, social preferences, and needs, which means they might approach tasks like waiting and turn-taking in a way that differs from their peers. That’s why creating a supportive, understanding environment is key to helping them succeed.

Why waiting and turn-taking matter

Waiting and taking turns are fundamental social skills that help children navigate interactions with others: 

• These abilities are often required in various settings, including classrooms, playgrounds, and home life. 
• They help children develop patience and empathy, both of which are essential for forming healthy relationships and engaging in collaborative activities. 
• These skills also promote a sense of belonging and inclusion, as children learn how to share space and time with others.

For children with autism, however, the ability to wait for their turn or understand delayed gratification may look different. They may face challenges with impulsivity or feel frustrated when they don’t immediately get what they want. Sensory sensitivities can also make waiting or sitting still more challenging, especially in a busy or overwhelming environment. 

It’s important to recognize that each child will develop these skills at their own pace. Progress may look different for everyone, and that’s perfectly okay. What matters is creating an environment that encourages growth, patience, and positive reinforcement.

Strategies for helping children learn to wait and take turns

With the right support, children with autism can learn to navigate the process of waiting and turn-taking in ways that feel comfortable to them. Here are several strategies to help nurture this ability:

• Engage in structured activities that involve turn-taking.

One of the most effective ways to teach children turn-taking is through structured activities that naturally involve this skill. Games like board games, card games, and group storytelling encourage children to wait their turn and engage with others in a fun, low-pressure environment. For example, playing a simple game of “Simon Says” can teach children not only how to wait for instructions but also how to follow directions and stay engaged with the activity.

• Introduce the concept of anticipation with books.

Reading books in small sections over time can introduce the concept of anticipation to children, helping them understand the idea of waiting for something exciting to happen. For instance, you can read one page of a book and pause, letting the child anticipate what comes next. This can help them experience waiting as a positive and engaging activity, building their patience and emotional regulation over time.

• Celebrate small wins and offer positive reinforcement.

It’s crucial to make waiting a positive experience. Celebrating small successes along the way can help reinforce the behavior, making the child feel proud of their progress. For example, if a child successfully waits for their turn during a game, praise them with encouraging words like, “Great job waiting for your turn!” or “You did so well staying patient!” Positive reinforcement boosts self-esteem and motivates children to continue practicing these skills.

• Use visual schedules and timers to provide structure.

Children with autism often thrive in environments where expectations are clear and consistent. Visual schedules or timers are excellent tools for setting clear expectations around waiting and turn-taking. Visual cues help children understand the sequence of events and when their turn will come, reducing anxiety and confusion. For example, using a timer to show how much longer they need to wait before their turn helps the child visualize time and feel more in control of the situation.

By using a combination of structured activities, positive reinforcement, visual schedules, and everyday practice, children with autism can gradually become more comfortable with waiting and turn-taking. These skills help children not only in social interactions but also in building patience, self-regulation, and cooperation—qualities that benefit them throughout their lives.

Every child is different, and it’s important to create an individualized plan that suits their unique needs, preferences, and sensory sensitivities. With understanding, patience, and a commitment to providing positive experiences, we can help children with autism develop these essential social skills and feel supported every step of the way.

The infographic above shares more strategies to support children in developing this ability.

You may also find our infographic on supporting motivation in children with autism helpful.

Related Article: Tips to improve sitting tolerance in children 

Acknowledgment: We sincerely thank Renu K Manish for contributing to the content of this infographic.

If you have questions about Autism, Down Syndrome, ADHD, or other developmental differences, the Nayi Disha team is here to support you. Contact our FREE Helpline at 844-844-8996 via call or WhatsApp. Our counselors speak multiple languages, including English, Hindi, Malayalam, Gujarati, Marathi, Telugu, and Bengali.