Excellent Ways To Teach Play With Young Children With Autism

Play for children with Autism can be a difficult concept to grasp. Many children with Autism are in their own little world and are extremely sensory and concrete oriented. When they see play farm animals, they know nothing of what to do with these toys. Instead of feeding the animals, many children with autism may tap them or line them up or spin them as this gives them sensory feedback that is reinforcing for them. Working on getting children with Autism to play appropriately and with meaning can be a challenging journey but a very worthwhile journey. Play serves many concepts and contexts for children to grow. Playing toys fosters imagination, role playing and context. This moves on to socially interacting with others during play, playing dress-up and exploring a world of imagination. For very young children with Autism there are excellent ways to teach play and it all begins with exploring with your child. Follow Your Child's Lead During Play A great way to make a connection during play is to set up play stations around the room. Have puzzles, pop-up toys, shape sorters, craft supplies and a car ramp with cars to start off with. Periodically add books with touch and feel qualities or open-flap qualities, musical instruments and blocks or lego. Start with following your child's lead. Find a toy your child gravitates towards and model appropriate, simple, concrete actions. For example, with puzzles, taking out the pieces and "problem solving" to find the right piece. Encourage turn-taking and initiating from your child. If your child starts spinning pieces or hoarding pieces, redirect your child to place the puzzle piece in the correct spot. With each toy your child gravitates towards, label actions, the toy and have fun while modeling appropriate play. Over time you will notice your child following your lead. Work On Essential Skills During Play Some essential skills to work on is turn-taking, initiating actions, imitating actions, spontaneously commenting and encouraging to request. Focus on one or two skills during each toy. If you find that your child is engaging more, then focus on more skills. Another great way to interact with your child is through physical play. Jumping, swinging, lifting up are all great opportunities for eye contact and requesting. Over time your child will learn to associate play with good things and also learn to play appropriately. Play is the groundwork for your child to learn and grow so encourage your child to play at an early age.