In our previous post, Autistic Play: Honoring Diverse Styles of Play, we explored the significance of honoring autistic play, focusing on the unique ways in which autistic children engage with the world. From repetitive actions to deep focus on specific toys, these behaviors hold developmental importance. By recognizing and respecting these preferences, we create a supportive environment that honors the child’s individuality.
In this post, I’ll explore how gently expanding autistic play can help children discover new possibilities without disrupting their natural preferences. The method I’ll focus on is modeling—an approach that encourages children to gradually broaden their play while still feeling safe and comfortable.
Start With What They Love
When looking to expand an autistic child’s play, the best place to start is with what they already enjoy. Whether it’s a particular sensory experience, a specific theme, or a favorite toy, these interests offer a foundation upon which new play ideas can be built.
For example, if a child loves lining up toy cars, you can incorporate a sensory element they enjoy, such as rolling the cars through sand or water. If they’re fascinated by dinosaurs, you might introduce a new dinosaur toy or create a simple dig site in kinetic sand. By starting with what they love, you create a bridge to new experiences without taking them out of their comfort zone.
The Power of Modeling
Modeling is a powerful tool for gently expanding play. It involves demonstrating new ways to interact with familiar toys or activities that the child can observe, and if they choose, imitate. The goal isn’t to change their play entirely but to introduce new ideas that might intrigue them.
If a child enjoys stacking blocks, you could model a simple construction like a tower or a bridge, commenting on your actions in simple terms: “I’m making a tall tower.” This type of modeling shows new possibilities without pressure, allowing the child to watch, imitate, or continue their preferred play—each outcome is valuable.
Imitation: Joining Their World
Another way to expand play is through imitation, which helps build connection. Instead of encouraging the child to imitate you, try imitating their actions as a way to join in. Have your own set of toys nearby—don’t use the pieces they are playing with—and imitate what they are doing.
For example, if they’re lining up toy animals, you might take your own set of animals and line them up alongside theirs. If they trust you and feel comfortable, you might even add another animal to their line, mirroring their play without interrupting it.
Introducing Exploratory and Functional Play
The Hanen Centre emphasizes the value of exploratory and functional play as part of child development. Exploratory play involves children learning about objects by interacting with them in various ways, like banging or shaking. Functional play involves using toys in ways that match their intended purpose, such as rolling a car or feeding a doll.
To expand autistic play, introduce elements of these play types that align with the child’s interests. For example, if a child loves sensory play with water, you might introduce floating toys or model using water wheels to show how water flows (exploratory play). If they’re into a theme like cooking, you could model using toy food to “cook” and “serve” a meal (functional play). Visual supports can be a helpful tool to cue some of these new play actions.
Play Expansion Ideas
Here are a few more actionable ideas for expanding play:
1. Cars or Trains
Current Activity: The child loves lining up cars or trains.
Expansion Ideas: Model creating a simple track or add obstacles like tunnels. Use a Tot Tube to roll trains down, saying, “ready, set…go!” to model symbolic sounds.
2. Building Blocks
Current Activity: The child enjoys stacking or lining up blocks.
Expansion Ideas: Model building a tower or bridge and talk through the process. Add different textures or introduce small figures to encourage imaginative play.
3. Water Play
Current Activity: The child loves splashing or pouring water.
Expansion Ideas: Add floating toys or tools like water wheels, and try some pretend play like “washing” toys.
4. Toy Animals
Current Activity: The child enjoys lining up animals or grouping them.
Expansion Ideas: Create a pretend world like a zoo, and model activities like feeding or caring for the animals.
5. Sensory Play
Current Activity: The child enjoys squeezing or rolling sensory materials.
Expansion Ideas: Introduce tools like cookie cutters, create simple play scenarios, or bring in favorite characters like dinosaurs for sensory play.
Respect the Child's Responses
As you introduce new ideas, remain attuned to the child’s responses. If they show interest, you can gradually build on the activity. However, if they seem disinterested or uncomfortable, it’s important to respect that and return to the activities they enjoy. Play should always be a joyful and stress-free experience.
Visual Supports For Expanding Autistic Play
Visual supports are a great tool for gently expanding play. Simple one-step play visuals like “car down ramp” or “dinosaurs stomp” can help introduce new actions in a non-pressured way. Just remember, play should always be pleasurable and intrinsically motivated. Going through the motions doesn’t necessarily mean the child is enjoying it.
Conclusion: Expanding Autistic Play With Care
The goal of expanding play isn’t to override how the child likes to interact with toys and objects but to offer new opportunities they can explore at their own pace. By respecting their preferences and gently modeling new possibilities, we create a supportive environment where children can feel safe exploring new ways to play.
And remember: Going through the motions of play does not equal joyful play. The goal is always joyful play!
Listen to the podcast version: Episode 88
Related Topics:
Exploratory Play: Tips for Children Who Dump Toys
If you use visual supports in your classroom or home, you are going to want to sign up for this free Visual Supports Starter Set ASAP! Click here to have one sent to your inbox. Also, be sure to read more about visual supports and how they can help autistic children here.
0 Comments