Episode 88: Gently Expanding Autistic Play: Tips for Parents and Educators

This week, we are continuing our discussion on honoring autistic play, focusing on how to gently expand it using simple strategies. We’ll talk about how to start with activities the child already loves and introduce new ideas through modeling and imitation. The goal is to help children explore new ways to play while still feeling comfortable and understood. Let’s dive in and explore these techniques together!

You will learn about:

1. Why to gently expand the play of autistic children
2. Ways to expand play through modeling
3. Using visual supports for play
4. Honoring autistic play

Links:

Themed Play Visual Supports: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Autism-Play-Themed-Visual-Supports-For-Special-Education-8414926?st=37dec0cd2be145851805b8d1e34e52e3

Research Article On Autistic Play: https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/aut.2023.0008

Bath Song On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVYXHMY7wvo

Exploratory Play Toys – Amazon List: https://amzn.to/4cXs7Z7

Functional Play Toys – Amazon List: https://amzn.to/3Tki6OI

You may also be interested in these supports:

1. Visual Support Starter Set 
2. Visual Supports Facebook Group
3. Autism Little Learners on Instagram
4. Autism Little Learners on Facebook

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