The Role of Play in Supporting Children with Autism
For children, play is more than just fun—it’s how they explore the world, practice new skills, and connect with others. For children with autism, play is especially powerful because it supports both communication and social development.
Why Play Matters
Play gives children opportunities to practice turn-taking, sharing attention, and expressing themselves. Through play, children learn problem-solving, creativity, and even self-regulation. For children with autism, play can also provide a safe and motivating way to practice language.
Different Types of Play
Children may engage in play differently, and that’s okay. Common types include:
Parallel Play: Playing alongside others without direct interaction.
Functional Play: Using toys in a purposeful way (rolling cars, stacking blocks).
Pretend Play: Using imagination to create stories or act out scenarios.
Sensory Play: Exploring textures, sounds, and movements (like sand, water, or swinging).
Each type of play offers unique opportunities for growth, and children may prefer one type more than others.
Using Play to Build Communication
Play naturally creates moments to practice communication. For example:
During block play, model words like “build,” “up,” and “fall.”
In pretend play, encourage short phrases like “my turn” or “go shopping.”
With sensory play, introduce feeling words like “soft,” “wet,” or “loud.”
These playful moments make language learning fun and meaningful.
Encouraging Social Connection
Play also helps children practice social interaction. Simple games like peek-a-boo, rolling a ball back and forth, or playing chase can encourage eye contact, joint attention, and laughter—important building blocks for relationships.
In summary: Play is a child’s first language. For children with autism, it’s not only enjoyable but also a pathway to communication, learning, and connection. By meeting children where they are in play, parents and caregivers can create powerful opportunities for growth.
