The Power of Play: Tips to Encourage Play with Your Autistic Child

Children explore and understand the world through play, which is a crucial part of their development. For parents of autistic children, the journey of engaging in play may look different but can be equally, if not more, enriching and rewarding. Embracing these differences and fostering play can create joyful and educational experiences for your child.

 

Understanding Play in Autistic Children

Autistic children may engage with play differently compared to their neurotypical peers. It's essential to recognize and respect these differences. Play is an avenue for fun, learning, and social interaction, and supporting your child in finding their unique way to play can open up a world of possibilities.

 

Why Encourage Play?

1. Joy and Fun: Play is inherently enjoyable. Helping your child discover the joy of play can enhance their overall happiness and engagement with the world.
2. Learning and Development: Through play, children learn essential skills such as communication, attention sharing, and cooperation. These skills are foundational for personal growth and social interaction.
3. Social Connections: Play is a common way for children to interact with peers. Encouraging your child to play can help them build stronger relationships and foster a sense of belonging.

 

Recognizing the Diverse Forms of Play

Play is not one-size-fits-all. It evolves through various stages, and autistic children may follow a different timeline. Here’s a look at the typical progression of play types, with an understanding that your child’s path may be unique:

 

1. Exploratory Body Play: This involves a child discovering how their body moves and works, like kicking legs or experimenting with walking styles.
2. Solitary Play: Here, a child engages with toys or objects alone, focusing solely on their activity without involving others.
3. Onlooker Play: The child observes others playing but does not join in. This stage can be prolonged in autistic children who might enjoy watching before engaging.
4. Parallel Play: In this stage, children play side-by-side with similar toys but independently of each other.
5. Associative Play: Children start to interact, sharing or borrowing toys, and imitating each other’s actions, though they are not yet playing cooperatively.
6. Cooperative Play: This is more interactive, involving children playing together, sharing goals, and working on common activities like building blocks or role-playing.

 

Tips for Encouraging Play and Playing with Your Child

1. Be a Detective: Observe what your child is naturally drawn to. What toys or activities do they gravitate towards? Pay attention to their likes, dislikes, and comfort levels. This will help you understand their interests and sensory preferences.
2. Follow Your Child’s Lead: Let your child take the lead in play. If they switch from stacking blocks to spinning a toy, go along with them. This encourages their autonomy and shows that their choices are valued.
3. Be a Participant: Engage in your child’s play at their comfort level. If they prefer playing alone, start by sitting nearby and commenting positively on what they’re doing. Gradually, they might involve you more in their play.
4. Model and Describe: Demonstrate how to use toys and describe your actions. For instance, if you’re playing with a toy car, you might say, “I’m rolling the car to the garage. Now it’s time for a pit stop!” This can spark interest and show your child different ways to play.
5. Respect Sensory Needs: If your child seems overwhelmed by noise or activity, they might need quieter or less stimulating environments. Consider providing sensory accommodations like headphones or choosing less crowded play settings.
6. Encourage Gradual Social Interaction: If your child shows interest in others but hesitates to join in, allow them to observe and engage when ready. They might learn best by watching or might join in when they feel comfortable or invited by peers.

 

Embracing Neurodiversity in Play

Understanding and embracing your child’s unique play style is key to fostering a positive and enriching play experience. Every child’s play journey is different, and by supporting your child’s individual path, you create an environment where they can thrive and enjoy the world around them.

 

Summary

Play is a vital part of childhood, offering joy, learning, and opportunities for social interaction. For parents of autistic children, it’s important to recognize that their play may look different but is equally valuable. By observing your child, following their lead, participating at their comfort level, and respecting their sensory needs, you can encourage and enhance their play experience. Embracing your child’s unique way of engaging with play allows them to explore, learn, and connect in meaningful ways, fostering a supportive and affirming environment for their development.

 

Parent Pathways

Are you ready to embark on an exciting journey of growth with your child? If so, we encourage you to learn more about Frontera Parent Pathways. Our compassionate team is here to partner with you, offering tailored strategies that celebrate your child's unique strengths while addressing areas of concern. Whether it's enhancing play skills, boosting communication, or navigating daily routines, we're here to support you every step of the way.

 

Our Parent Pathways program can help with:

• Making everyday activities more engaging and fun
• Unlocking new ways to communicate and connect
• Understanding and managing sensory experiences
• Creating calm in challenging moments
• Exploring new foods together
• Mastering toilet skills
• Developing healthy sleep habits

 

At Parent Pathways, we believe in the power of family. Our approach is child-centered, evidence-informed, and neurodiversity-affirming, all wrapped up in a warm, family-friendly package. We're not just here to teach – we're here to learn from you and your amazing child.

 

Curious to learn more? We'd love to chat! Reach out to Frontera Parent Pathways at parentpathways@fronterahealth.com and take the first step towards a world of new possibilities for your family. Let's grow together!