What strategy would be most appropriate to promote engagement for a kindergarten student with autism during choice-time activities?

Incorporating the student's interests into some of the activities is a highly effective strategy for promoting engagement, especially in young children with autism. When activities are aligned with a child's personal interests, they are more likely to be motivated and engaged in the tasks at hand. This approach taps into the child's natural curiosity and enthusiasm, making the learning experience more enjoyable and meaningful.

By providing activities that resonate with the child's interests, educators can capture their attention and encourage participation. This can lead to positive social interactions, enhanced communication skills, and overall developmental growth. Interest-based activities create opportunities for learning across various domains, fostering not only the child's engagement but also aiding in building essential skills in a supportive and enjoyable environment.

The other strategies, while they have their merits, may not be as effective in capturing a child's enthusiasm and motivation. For instance, limiting choices could lead to frustration or disengagement, particularly if the student feels deprived of autonomy or preferred activities. Starting with longer periods of choice time may overwhelm the student, leading to anxiety rather than engagement. Scheduling one-on-one time might be beneficial for targeted instruction but does not inherently promote engagement during choice time, which is meant to foster independence and social interaction with peers.