How Play Levels the Playing Field For Children With ASD

In a traditional classroom setting, children with ASD may have difficulty keeping up with their peers, especially when the task requires being aware of social-emotional cues. However, play can help to level the playing field as it allows them to learn in a way that is tailored to their individual needs and interests.

While this may not come as a surprise to you, this was clearly illustrated when our daughter was invited to City Play for Kids. On their website, the facility is described as, “...an indoor playground focused on PLAY and IMAGINATION!” It certainly lived up to the description as our daughter's imagination was permitted to roam free and have fun.

Play is the perfect means for children with ASD to learn and develop a host of skills such as:

• Communication: Play makes provision for them to practice various social skills such as sharing, taking turns, following directions, conveying their thoughts, etc. Play also provides an opportunity to facilitate understanding nonverbal communication like social cues.

• Relationship building: Play provides a safe environment to learn how to interact in a meaningful way with peers, adults, and special individuals (parents, siblings, family members).

• Creative expression: Play is a means to explore their personal interests and share their unique perspective in a creative way.

• Problem-solving: Cognitive flexibility can be a challenge for individuals with ASD. Play can help them learn to entertain perspectives that differ from their own and find solutions to problems.

• Stress and anxiety reduction: It is not uncommon for individuals with ASD to experience high levels of anxiety. Play provides a break from the challenges of everyday life by shifting the focus to something safe and enjoyable.

So, what is the take away? Make sure to integrate an ample amount of time each day for your child with ASD to play, and explore and make sense of the world, through an enjoyable means - PLAY!