The ABC’s of Playing with a Child with Autism

A – Adapt to Their Needs

Children with autism may have different sensory preferences, interests, and communication styles. Tailor play activities to meet their needs and comfort level. For instance, some may be sensitive to noise, light, or textures, so be mindful of these factors when choosing toys or play environments.

B – Be Patient

Patience is key when playing with a child with autism. Some children may take longer to respond, initiate play, or engage with others. Allow them time to process and participate in their own way, without rushing them.

C – Create Structure

Children with autism often thrive in structured environments. Establishing a routine for playtime can help them feel secure and reduce anxiety. Use visual schedules or social stories to help them understand what to expect during play.

D – Develop Communication Skills

Use playtime as an opportunity to support communication skills. Encourage verbal or non-verbal communication by modeling language and using picture exchange systems (PECS) or communication boards if needed. Celebrate any attempts to communicate.

E – Engage in Their Interests

Children with autism may have specific interests that deeply engage them. Whether it’s trains, animals, or patterns, incorporating these interests into play can help keep them engaged and build a connection. Use these interests as a bridge to introduce new activities or skills.

F – Focus on Positive Reinforcement

Provide positive reinforcement for any effort, no matter how small. Praise their attempts to engage or participate, and celebrate achievements to build confidence and encourage more interaction.

G – Gradual Transitions

Children with autism may struggle with transitions or changes in routine. Gradually introduce new play activities or changes to the environment, and provide warnings or visual cues to prepare them for any upcoming transitions.

H – Hide Distractions

Children with autism may find it difficult to focus if there are too many distractions. Create a quiet, clutter-free play space to help them concentrate on the activity at hand. This will help reduce sensory overload and encourage engagement.

I – Increase Social Interaction

While children with autism may find social play challenging, it’s important to encourage interaction with others. Start with one-on-one play and model social behaviors, such as turn-taking and making eye contact. Use toys that encourage sharing or cooperation, like building blocks or simple board games.

J – Joint Attention

Joint attention refers to the ability to share focus on an object or activity with another person. Use play activities that encourage joint attention, like pointing to or showing an object and inviting the child to engage with you. This can help improve social and communication skills.

K – Keep It Simple

Simplify instructions and interactions during play. Use clear and direct language, and avoid overwhelming the child with too many steps or complex instructions. Gradually increase the complexity as the child becomes more comfortable.

L – Leverage Visual Supports

Children with autism often respond well to visual aids. Use pictures, symbols, or written instructions to help them understand what is happening during play and guide them through activities. Visual supports help with comprehension and reduce anxiety.

M – Model Play Skills

Demonstrate how to play with toys or participate in activities. For example, show the child how to stack blocks or play with dolls. Modeling helps the child understand what is expected and provides a visual example for imitation.

N – Navigate Sensory Sensitivities

Be mindful of sensory sensitivities that may affect play, such as sensitivity to touch, sound, or light. Choose toys and activities that match the child’s sensory preferences, whether it’s soft textures, quiet activities, or calming lighting.

O – Offer Choices

Giving children with autism options during play can help them feel more in control and reduce frustration. Allow them to choose which activity or toy to engage with, which encourages decision-making and independence.

P – Provide Clear Boundaries

Set clear boundaries during play, especially when it comes to taking turns or sharing. Children with autism may struggle with understanding social rules, so it’s important to be consistent and clear about what’s expected.

Q – Quality Over Quantity

Focus on the quality of the play interaction, rather than the length of time spent playing. Short, meaningful sessions can be more effective than longer, less engaging ones. Pay attention to the child’s cues and stop the activity when they seem disengaged or overwhelmed.

R – Reinforce Independence

Encourage the child to engage in independent play as much as possible. For example, if they’re playing with blocks, give them the space to build on their own. Offer praise and positive reinforcement when they demonstrate independent play skills.

S – Stay Consistent

Consistency is important for children with autism. Use the same toys, play routines, and expectations to provide a sense of security. Consistency helps build trust and makes transitions smoother during playtime.

T – Target Fine and Gross Motor Skills

Incorporate activities that help develop motor skills, such as stacking blocks, coloring, or playing with a ball. These activities promote coordination and body awareness while encouraging fine and gross motor development.

U – Use Sensory Play

Sensory play can be highly beneficial for children with autism. Activities that involve textures, water, sand, or even playdough provide opportunities for exploration and help them process sensory information in a calm, controlled manner.

V – Visual Schedules

Use a visual schedule to show the sequence of playtime activities. This can help the child understand what to expect and reduce anxiety about changes. Visual schedules promote independence and make transitions easier for children with autism.

W – Wait for Their Response

Children with autism may need extra time to process information or respond during play. Be patient and wait for them to engage or provide a response at their own pace. Avoid pressuring them to participate before they are ready.

X – eXplore New Experiences

Introduce new experiences or activities gradually. Start with familiar toys or play routines and slowly incorporate new activities as the child becomes comfortable. Make new experiences predictable to reduce anxiety.

Y – Your Encouragement Matters

Offer encouragement and praise for every step of progress. Positive reinforcement is essential in helping children with autism feel motivated and supported during play. Acknowledge their efforts, even if they are small.

Z – Zero in on Their Strengths

Every child with autism has unique strengths and interests. Focus on activities that align with their passions and abilities. Whether it’s puzzles, music, or building, leveraging these strengths will help keep them engaged and promote learning.