Play is an essential part of childhood and a major player (‘scuse the pun) when it comes to a child's social and emotional development. However, for children with autism, ‘play’ in the neurotypical sense can be a challenge. But that’s okay! By embracing your autistic child’s beautifully unique brain, you can harness the joy of play, their way.
Here are five reasons why your autistic child may struggle with play, and what you can do to help!
Social Interaction
Children with autism often struggle with making eye contact, understanding social cues, and initiating and maintaining social relationships. Play is often social, and so children with autism may find it difficult to engage in play with their peers.
What You Can Do: Provide your child with opportunities to practice social skills in a safe and supportive environment. Look for play groups specifically for children with autism - socialising becomes fun when your kid can do it their way, such as stimming and avoiding eye contact and small talk. Your child might also like to join a group by interest - watch their eyes light up as they talk about their shared passion! - or try a playdate with neurotypical kids who are understanding and patient.
Sensory Processing Issues
Sensory processing issues are common in autistic children. They may be hypersensitive or hyposensitive to certain sensory stimuli, such as touch, sound, and light – and so find certain types of play overwhelming or uncomfortable.
What You Can Do: Pay attention to your child's sensory preferences and try to tailor their play experiences accordingly. For example, if your child is sensitive to loud noises, they may enjoy quieter, more calming play activities, like a hanging sensory swing. On the flipside, if your child is seeking sensory input, they may enjoy more active, physical play, like this maze balance board.
Imagination and Pretend Play
Imagination and pretend play are important for children's cognitive development, but with autism may have difficulty understanding abstract concepts or imagining themselves in different situations.
What You Can Do: Instead, encourage your child's incredible creativity by providing them with open-ended toys and games that allow for flexibility and experimentation. For example, building blocks, art supplies, and puzzles (such as this awesome fidget puzzle) can be great tools for developing imaginative play skills!
Need for Routine and Predictability
Children with autism often thrive on routine and predictability. They may have a strong need for order and structure, which can make it difficult for them to engage in spontaneous or unpredictable play.
What You Can Do: Work with their need for routine by incorporating some structure into your child's playtime while also encouraging flexibility and adaptability. For example, you could establish a set playtime each day at the time of their choosing but allow for different types of play activities within that time frame.
Communication
Many children with autism struggle with communication, which can impact their ability to play and interact with others. They may have difficulty expressing their needs and wants, understanding instructions, and engaging in back-and-forth conversations.
What You Can Do: Instead of barking orders, try visual aids such as picture cards, social stories, or visual schedules to help your child understand what is expected of them and learn how the world works.
Check out our range of sensory toys for more ideas on play that works with your autistic child!
