How Autistic Children Play & Engage with the World | Blue Jay

Reviewed by Nechama "Nicole" Fried, MEd, BCBA, LBA

Autistic childrenoften play differently than their neurotypical peers, and that’s completely okay. Their play may be morerepetitive,solo-focused, or centered around specific interests.

Instead of group games, many autistic children preferparallel play—playing near others without direct interaction. They may also engage insensory play(like touching textures or watchingspinning objects) orrepetitive actionslike lining up toys or watching the same video clip repeatedly.

Some may struggle withpretend play, like pretending a block is a car, but that doesn’t mean they’re not learning or enjoying themselves. Play is still meaningful. It helps with self-regulation, focus, and exploration.

Through ABA therapy, we can gently guide children to expand their play skills while respecting their unique preferences. That might include encouraging turn-taking, introducing pretend play in simple ways, or helping them engage more with peers.

AtBlue Jay ABA, we meet each child where they are and use play as a powerful tool for growth and connection.

Want to support your child’s play and social development?

Contact us todayto learn how ourin-home ABA therapy in North Carolinacan help your child thrive through play.

SOURCES:

https://raisingchildren.net.au/autism/school-play-work/play-learning/play-asd

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9850869/

https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/parallel-play-in-autism/

https://www.autismawareness.com.au/navigating-autism/learning-through-play-for-autistic-children

https://www.scottishautism.org/services-support/family-support/information-resources/play

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