Play Therapy and Autism

All children relate differently in situations and bring their own aspects to play because of their individual backgrounds. Children learn from their peers through games, stories, drama and interaction through social interaction.

For autistic children this is often forfeited because of language difficulties and exclusive behavioural patterns they portray.

Children with autism gravitate towards repetitive play activities such as manipulating objects, enacting elaborate routines and pursuing obsessive and narrowly focused interests. Without guidance they are less likely to engage in functional play.

 It is also rare for a child with autism to produce pretend play by transforming objects, activating dolls or inventing imaginary objects, roles or event. This is because their play often lacks diversity, flexibility and creativity.

 In spontaneous play with peers children with autism are most likely to avoid peers, resist social interaction, enter play with little or no self initiation and approach their peers in a one-sided fashion.  

The inflexible way in which they relate to toys and objects, makes them miss out on experiences that they could benefit from substantially.

Play Therapy intervention can help your child develop play skills that they can build on. Children learn through play so starting with a play based intervention program for your child is the best place to begin. 

Your child wants to connect with others and a play therapist can help them do just that.  Play therapy provides a pathway into your child’s world where they can be the guide and the therapist can expand on their play from that point.

A good play therapist can make magic happen by tuning into what your child enjoys!