Play skills

Building Play Skills: Nurturing Growth through Play

Play is a fundamental part of childhood. It is how children explore the world, express themselves, and learn essential social, emotional, and cognitive skills. For autistic individuals, however, play can be a different experience and may require a more structured approach. By understanding the unique ways children with autism experience play and by supporting their play skills, we can foster their growth in a meaningful, joyful, and impactful way.

Why play is essential for all children

Play is more than just fun—it is an important learning experience. Through play, children practise communication, learn to interact with others, and develop creativity and problem-solving skills. Play also helps children regulate emotions, understand routines, and build motor skills.

For autistic children, the benefits of play are equally valuable, though the path to achieving them may vary. Many autistic children prefer solitary play or engage in repetitive activities, which can make playtime seem different from that of their peers. However, with the right approach, play can be a way for them to build essential life skills and connect with others.

Understanding Play Differences in Autism

Autistic individuals may have unique ways of engaging in play:

Repetitive play: Many autistic children are drawn to repetitive activities, such as lining up toys, spinning objects, or repeating certain actions. This may serve as a calming or focusing activity for them.
Preference for solitary play: Some children may prefer playing alone or may find social play overwhelming or challenging.
Difficulty with imaginative play: Pretend play, such as pretending a block is a car or playing house, may not come naturally and may require guidance and support.

These differences do not mean that autistic children cannot enjoy or benefit from play; rather, they may need specific strategies and understanding from parents/carers, teachers, and peers.

How to Support Play Skills:

Follow the Child’s Lead: Start by observing what interests the child. If they enjoy cars, for example, join them by pushing a car alongside theirs or by taking turns. Building on their interests can create a bridge to new types of play.
Encourage Parallel Play: Parallel play, where children play alongside each other without directly interacting, can be a gentle introduction to social play. Sitting nearby, mirroring their actions, and gradually introducing small interactions can help a child become comfortable with others in their play space.
Introduce Structured Play: Many autistic individuals thrive on structure and routines, so structured play activities can help create a predictable environment where they feel safe to explore. Structured games, such as simple board games or activities with clear rules, can provide a foundation for more complex play.
Use Visual Supports: Visual cues, such as pictures or charts, can guide children in understanding different steps or choices in play activities. For instance, a visual schedule that shows steps to build a puzzle can help a child understand the process in a clear and supportive way.
Practice Turn-Taking: Games that involve turn-taking, such as “Simon Says” or rolling a ball back and forth, can teach patience, anticipation, and shared attention. For many children, these games are fun and naturally encourage waiting for their turn while also enjoying interaction.
Encourage Imitative Play: Imitation is a valuable skill that builds the foundation for social learning. Encourage children to imitate actions, sounds, or facial expressions during play. Singing songs with hand motions, such as “Itsy Bitsy Spider,” is a playful way to build imitation skills.
Foster Pretend Play: For older children, encourage simple pretend play, such as pretending to cook or building a house with blocks. You can model this by narrating actions, like “Let’s pretend to make a pizza!” Over time, children may feel more comfortable engaging in imaginative play.

Celebrating Small Successes

When supporting play skills in autistic individuals, patience and positive reinforcement are key. Celebrate small milestones, like when a child takes turns, shares a toy, or joins a game with a peer. These moments build confidence and create positive associations with play.

Building Connections through Play

With gentle guidance, they can gain the benefits of play while building connections with peers, siblings, and adults. By adapting play environments and respecting each child’s unique approach to play, we open doors to meaningful experiences that support their development and happiness.

Play is truly for everyone, and with a little creativity and understanding, we can help make play a joyful part of every child’s life.

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