Play is an important part of a child’s development. It builds fine and gross motor skills, social skills, communication skills, language, thinking and problem solving skills.

 

With autistic children, play can be very limited. For example, a child may want to play alone, engage in repetitive play like lining up toys, or moving from them from point A to point B and then back again, or play with the same thing over and over. Children can learn play skills with guidance and by structuring play. Let’s explore the aspect of play a little deeper.

How does ASD affect play?

ASD affects both social and communication skills. Social interactions are challenging because there is an unwillingness to allow others to share experiences and a lack of understanding of thoughts and feelings of others. Understanding nonverbal cues such as facial expressions, tone of voice, and gestures is difficult. There are problems with imagination. Not knowing how to pretend can lead to repetitive actions that are only meaningful to the child.

Because of the difficulties, the development of these important play skills may be affected:

  • copying simple actions

  • exploring the environment

  • sharing objects and attention with others

  • responding to others

  • taking turns

Where do I start?

The first thing to start with is developing joint attention. Joint attention means both the adult and the child are fixed on the same thing at the same time, experiencing the same reaction and awareness that both people are involved. This process takes time to develop with ASD. Being with creating a sense of shared space – sharing attention, emotion and understanding.

Young autistic children tend to avoid sharing space, finding it uncomfortable. It’s important for parents to understand that joint play can cause feelings of anxiety and to not take avoidance personally. Try to start with sharing space, even if just for a few seconds, to show that it can be fun.

Try making a few informal notes when observing your child. Record when are they most accessible and receptive – maybe during a bath, when you sing, relaxed in bed, eating something they love, or engaged in some physical activity. These are the moments to show that communication means something.

 

Some ideas to try:

  • Encourage your child to touch you and come up with an appealing response.

  • When you have a game he enjoys, stop and take a pause. Pausing creates the opportunity for your child to gesture or use words to continue.

  • Play peek-a-boo games. This is a tried and true activity that most children love and will engage in. Create pauses to increase anticipation or encourages your child to ask for more.

  • Making silly faces. Cover your face with your hands and then reveal different expressions.

  • Dance!

  • Blowing raspberries on the palms of hands or stomach. 

Playing is an important part of a child’s healthy development. Increasing your knowledge of how to play will help your interactions with your child to be more rewarding for the both of you.

Maureen Bennie, fonder of Autism Awarness Centre Inc.