Autistic children often engage in play differently from their neurotypical peers, but play is still a valuable part of their growth and learning. Understanding their play style can help parents and caregivers support them better.
Here are common ways autistic children may play:
- Repetitive Play – They may enjoy repeating the same activity, such as lining up toys, spinning objects, or pressing buttons over and over. This type of play can provide comfort and predictability.
- Parallel Play – Instead of directly playing with others, autistic children may prefer to play next to peers, focusing on their own activities.
- Sensory Play – Many children with autism enjoy activities that stimulate the senses, such as water play, sand, or textured toys. This helps regulate emotions and provides calming input.
- Imaginative Play Differences – Pretend play may be limited or look different, though some autistic children engage deeply in specific scenarios or interests.
Supporting play with visual aids, structure, and encouragement helps autistic children expand skills in communication, socialization, and creativity.
Looking for Support?
At Epic Minds Therapy, we provide personalized ABA therapy in North Carolina to help children develop meaningful play and social skills.
Contact us today to learn more about our ABA therapy programs.
SOURCES:
https://raisingchildren.net.au/autism/school-play-work/play-learning/play-asd
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1875952124000211
https://www.scottishautism.org/services-support/family-support/information-resources/play
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9850869
Play and Leisure
https://iidc.indiana.edu/irca/articles/play-time-an-examination-of-play-intervention-strategies-for-children-with-autism-spectrum-disorders.html