What does play look like for children with autism?
Play is a fundamental aspect of childhood; it is a natural and dynamic activity that fosters relationships, communication, and cognitive and emotional development. For most children, engaging in play is an intuitive, relaxing, and fun activity, a world where they can transform a box into a spaceship and the living room into a theater. However, autism and play present a different perspective.
You may wonder, “What does play look like for children with autism?” For neurodivergent children, play does not always manifest as a joyful activity or the interest to interact with other children. According to the National Library of Medicine, children with ASD often show different patterns in their play compared to neurotypical children. They may engage in more repetitive play and have difficulty with imaginative or pretend play. The researchers suggest that these differences could be due to various factors, including social communication challenges and sensory processing difficulties.
In this blog by ABA Centers of Tennessee, we aim to highlight both the benefits and challenges associated with autism and play. We also explore how ABA therapy can become a valuable ally in improving and developing new skills for your loved one on the spectrum.
Understanding Autism and Play
Play is a voluntary, enjoyable, and often spontaneous activity that fosters exploration, creativity, and interaction. However, the nature of play in autism can be influenced by how a child processes sensory information, interacts with others, and enjoys their environment. For these children, play isn’t merely a recreational activity; it serves as a crucial setting for acquiring new skills and establishing connections.
Traditional forms of play often imply a set of social and cognitive skills that children with autism may find challenging. Hence, it’s common to see these children partaking in solitary play or showing deep fascination with the sensory attributes of toys—textures, colors, or sounds—rather than their symbolic or interactive qualities. Furthermore, the sensory sensitivities characteristic of ASD may lead to either excessive seeking or avoidance of sensory input, influencing not just the choice of play activities but also their duration and intensity.
It is common for children with autism to engage in play in unique ways, such as:
- They line up toys rather than play with them
- Show intense interest in specific topics or objects such as numbers, maps, etc.
- Often prefers to play alone or alongside other children rather than engage in typical interactive play
- Some children with autism repeat scenes or dialogue from movies or past events during play
5 Reasons Why Your Kid with ASD Should Play
Every playful act is a seed that when cultivated, blossoms into a wealth of developmental benefits. So even though it may seem like a game or a fun time, play has outstanding benefits for your child with autism, such as:
Social Skills Development
Playtime provides a natural and enjoyable setting for children with autism to practice and refine their social skills. Through interactive play, they learn the basics of communication, cooperation, and turn-taking, essential components for building relationships.
Communication Improvement
Whether it’s engaging in pretend play, using toys to represent objects or scenarios, or participating in group activities, these interactions create opportunities for language development. Play facilitates the expression of thoughts, feelings, and needs, aiding in the improvement of verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
Cognitive Stimulation
Activities like puzzles, games, and sensory play can enhance problem-solving abilities, spatial awareness, and overall cognitive development.
Emotional Regulation
Many children with autism face challenges in regulating their emotions. Playtime offers a constructive outlet for expressing and managing emotions. Engaging in various play activities allows children to learn about different emotions, understand cause and effect, and develop coping mechanisms.
Sensory Integration
Incorporating sensory-rich activities, such as swinging, jumping, or playing with textured materials, helps children with autism integrate sensory input, leading to improved self-regulation and increased comfort in their surroundings.
Occupational therapist Barbara Sher published a book about early intervention games for parents with kids on the spectrum, underscoring the transformative role of play for children with ASD emphasizing its importance beyond mere recreation. According to her book, play has a significant impact on the development of social and motor skills in children with ASD, and it is not just a form of recreation. She highlights play as an effective tool for nurturing problem-solving skills and spatial awareness.
7 Strategies for Parents to Encourage Play
As caregivers, you have a deep understanding of the unique qualities, preferences, and dislikes of your loved ones with autism. The journey of autism is a complex and often challenging one, but it is also one with hope and inspiration. It’s a continuous learning process for everyone involved, and each step of the way presents an opportunity for growth and development.
As parents, caregivers, family members, and teachers of individuals and children on the spectrum, we can generate a playful and comfortable environment, which can include:
- Creating a Play-Friendly Environment: Designate a space in your home where your child can play freely without restrictions. Ensure that the area is safe and equipped with toys, games, and materials that spark their interest and encourage exploration.
- Following Your Child’s Lead: Observe your child’s interests and preferences, then incorporate those into play activities. For example, if your child loves animals, you might set up a pretend veterinary clinic using stuffed animals as patients. Your child can take on the role of the veterinarian, diagnosing imaginary ailments, administering “treatments,” and caring for their “patients.”
- Providing Open-Ended Toys: Offer toys and materials that can be used in multiple ways, allowing for open-ended play and imagination. Items like blocks, play dough, and art supplies promote creativity and problem-solving skills.
- Joining in the Play: Get down on their level, engage in pretend play scenarios, and show enthusiasm for their activities. Respect the rules of the game; for instance, do not move the toys or try to change the dynamics of the game.
- Scheduling Playdates: Organize playdates with other children to provide opportunities for social interaction and cooperative play.
- Being Patient and Flexible: Remember that play is a natural process of learning and development. Be patient with your child’s pace and interests and remain flexible in adapting activities to suit their needs and preferences.
- Getting Help from a Therapist: If you are unsure of how to introduce play to your child or create a sensory-friendly space, seeking advice from ABA therapists can be helpful. These therapists can assist you not only with the challenging behaviors associated with autism but also provide you with strategies to encourage play activities that promote positive behaviors and essential skills.
The Role of ABA Therapy in Stimulate Play
ABA therapy is a comprehensive approach that helps children with challenging behaviors to improve their behavior, day-to-day development, home routine, and academic performance. ABA therapists assess the patient and develop a plan that benefits them in all areas of life, including learning new skills through play therapy.
ABA therapists utilize methods such as rewards and progressive techniques to lead children through fun, play-oriented tasks. They simplify complex abilities into achievable steps, which allows them to instill new skills in children with autism slowly. For instance, should the objective be to impart the skill of taking turns, therapists might incorporate a game where the child alternates turns with the therapist or a friend.
For example, if the goal is to build turn-taking skills, therapists can include a game in which the child alternates turns with the therapist or a friend, and through positive reinforcement, the child receives a reward each time they take a turn in the game.
ABA Centers of Tennessee is Here to Enhance Your Child’s Life
There’s a common misconception that children with autism cannot engage in activities typically enjoyed by neurotypical children, such as play. While their style of play may differ and often be solitary, children on the autism spectrum can participate in the same childhood activities, just in their way. Recognizing and embracing their unique abilities, preferences, and aversions can empower these children to enjoy autism and play while also learning valuable skills.
To address even the most challenging traits of autism and bolster essential skills through ABA therapy, we invite you to contact ABA Centers of Tennessee. Whether you’re in Brentwood, Hendersonville, Nashville, or Madison, expert assistance is within reach. Call us at (844) 423-9483 or schedule a free appointment, and let’s collaborate to unlock the full potential that play and therapy hold for your child.
