Peek-a-boo is a simple game enjoyed by infants and caregivers globally. It involves a caregiver hiding their face and reappearing with a joyful expression and sound, creating moments of shared delight. Its simplicity and universal appeal make it a common touchpoint in early childhood. This article explores how this common game relates to early child development, specifically concerning autism.
The Role of Peek-a-Boo in Typical Infant Development
Peek-a-boo plays a significant role in the development of typically developing infants. Through this interaction, babies begin to grasp object permanence, understanding that an object or person still exists even when out of sight. The repetitive nature of the game reinforces this cognitive milestone, as the caregiver’s reappearance confirms their continued presence.
Beyond cognitive development, peek-a-boo fosters social reciprocity, the back-and-forth exchange in interactions. Infants learn turn-taking as they anticipate the caregiver’s reappearance and respond with smiles or giggles. This interaction also encourages joint attention, where both the infant and caregiver focus on the same object or event, such as the caregiver’s hidden face. The exchange of smiles, laughter, and direct eye contact during the “boo!” moment signifies shared joy and connection, building a foundation for future social engagement.
Variations in Peek-a-Boo Play in Autistic Babies
Autistic babies may engage with or respond to peek-a-boo in ways that differ from typical development. A common variation is a reduced tendency to initiate the game or seek the caregiver’s face during the “boo!” moment. The anticipation of the caregiver’s reappearance, often marked by excited movements or sounds in typically developing infants, might be less evident.
Eye contact during the game can also vary significantly. Autistic babies might show limited or fleeting eye gaze when the caregiver reappears, sometimes focusing on other aspects like the hands covering the face rather than the social expression. The reciprocal joy or laughter, a hallmark of typical peek-a-boo play, may be diminished or absent. An autistic baby might show a neutral expression or a delayed, less intense emotional response.
Difficulty with turn-taking is also common, as the back-and-forth rhythm of the game might not be readily understood or engaged with. An autistic baby might not wait for their turn or attempt to “hide” themselves in response to the caregiver’s actions. Their focus might be directed toward non-social elements of the game, such as the movement of hands or the sound itself, rather than the social interaction or connection with the caregiver.
Other Early Social Communication Indicators
Beyond peek-a-boo, other early social communication behaviors offer insights into an infant’s development. These include:
- Responding consistently to their name by turning their head or orienting towards the sound.
- Beginning to point to objects or events of interest to share attention with others (declarative pointing).
- Imitating sounds, gestures, or facial expressions observed from caregivers, typically around 9 to 12 months of age.
- Sharing enjoyment with others, such as showing a toy or looking back at a caregiver after achieving something.
- A reduced frequency or absence of babbling, which typically emerges around 6 to 9 months, or a delay in speaking early words.
- A noticeable reduction in social smiling, especially in response to social overtures.
Next Steps for Parents
Observing consistent developmental differences in an infant can be concerning for parents. If variations in social communication, including how a child engages with games like peek-a-boo, are noticed, consulting a healthcare professional is a wise step. A pediatrician or developmental specialist can provide a personalized assessment and guidance.
Early intervention is beneficial for children with developmental differences, as it supports their development. Parents are encouraged to trust their instincts if they have persistent concerns about their child’s development. This article provides general information and is not intended as a diagnostic tool; professional medical advice should always be sought for individual circumstances.