In order to get the most out of Google Talk, check out some of the suggested activities below, and be sure to let us know what works best for you in the comment box at the bottom of the page. 

Self-Awareness Activity

When your child first tries out the video chat features offered by Google, have him test the camera first. He should position himself where he can be seen easily, and modify the lighting as needed to give a clear image. Next, encourage him to offer expressions for a range of emotions, and see if he seems to come across as he'd expect. He should also pay attention to how loud he is speaking and how sensitive the audio is. More importantly, he will have to be conscious of his body language and tone when video chatting to make sure he is expressing himself how he intends.

Next, chat with your child over text from different rooms. Guide the conversation to be playful and goofy, perhaps making up characters to tell a story. This will allow you to help your child learn how to convey tone and emotion through writing, a task much harder to do than talking to someone face-to-face.

Organization Activity

Before chatting at all, your child needs to establish a contact list. Help him to transfer contacts from other places, such as Gmail, or he can gather information from friends and family directly and input the information into the contact list. Transfer contact lists from similar chat services, such as AIM or Facebook, and make sure his contacts are listed in a way that he can add them easily or group them by common themes, such as "friends" or "family." Ensure he inputs as much information as possible for each contact, and updates the info as needed to keep everything up to date.

Writing Activity

Google Talk allows users to chat via text, which makes a perfect opportunity to communicate quietly and practice writing. Have your child first think about who he is speaking to and determine what type of language is appropriate. For example, short hand abbreviations like LOL and OMG might be perfectly acceptable to 7th graders, but teachers and grandparents would likely prefer more formal language. Encourage your child to express himself fully when he writes to other users via Google Talk.

Your child may also benefit by reading what he types out loud and trying to imagine how the words will sound to the other person. Doing so can help him form clearer and better structured sentences  as sometimes words that are meant to be sarcastic or funny can come off as rude when the reader cannot see the writer's face.

Google Talk & Autistic Spectrum Disorder

For children that struggle with communication and socializing, Google Talk offers many potential ways for kids to practice and improve such skills. Where kids with ASD may have problems interpreting facial expressions, talking to others, and sharing common interests, Google Talk offers a simple, fun and stress-free environment in which to communicate. The app can help improve interactions with others outside the app as well, as the focus he keeps with individuals when he uses video chatting is easily transferable to real life conversations.

How to Use Google Talk for Kids with Autistic Spectrum Disorder:

• When your child starts using Google Talk, he'll have the choice of talking through text or using a video chat. If he's having difficulty in picking up body language or facial cues, encourage him to talk to his friends through text first, where he may be more comfortable communicating. Then work with him to express the same notions and ideas through face-to-face interactions to make it easier for him to understand facial cues and not misinterpret conversations with others.

• Kids who have problems expressing themselves through writing and fine motor skills will find the video chat a valuable way of learning how to communicate. Video chatting with Google Talk forces your child to focus on the other face and pay attention to the way he speaks, his expressions and his tone. This gives him a safe, comfortable place to practice speaking with others, as he he may not be able to do so in larger social settings with peers. Work with your child to practice chatting over the service with just yourself, than add in other family members to gradually transform the conversation into a group discussion.

• Google Talk can be a more comfortable way of communicating and starting discussions with friends. When your child comes home from school, have him think about his day and what he learned with his friends and classmates. Use schoolwork as a starting point for discussion online, and work to set up a conversation regarding classwork with a close friend. Doing so with someone he feel comfortable with will help him feel less anxious and more comfortable taking the time to formulate his thoughts and emotions before sharing with others.

Google Talk is just one option for video chatting and other online communication. Check out the available resources below!

AIM

AIM allows users to keep track of friends and family on a buddy list, and communicate individually or as a group with friends and family around the world. Find out more on our Beyond Games page for AIM.

Skype

Skype is another video chat app that is compatible on just about any device! Users can easily connect from anywhere with an internet connection and keep track of contacts on an organized list. Find out more on our Beyond Games page for Skype.

Windows Live Messenger:

This product is very similar to AIM, and allows users to seamlessly connect with other users through text-based chat. Find out more here.