How Play Therapy Supports Children With Autism
- Moe | Scarlet Plus
- Sep 15, 2025
- 4 min read
Play is the language of children. Through play, kids learn how to explore, communicate, and connect with the world around them. For children with autism, however, play often looks different. They may prefer repetitive activities, struggle with pretend play, or find social interaction during play difficult. This can worry parents and create challenges in school and family life.
At Providence Community ABA in Stafford, VA, we believe that play is more than fun—it’s a powerful therapeutic tool. Play therapy helps children with autism build communication, social, and emotional skills in a safe, supportive environment. This blog explains how play therapy works, why it matters, and how families can use it to support their child’s growth.
On this page:
What Is Play Therapy?
Play therapy uses structured play activities to help children express themselves, practice skills, and overcome challenges. Unlike free play alone, it is guided by a trained therapist who sets goals tailored to the child’s needs.
According to the American Psychological Association, play therapy helps children communicate feelings they cannot express in words. For children with autism, this makes therapy more accessible and less intimidating.
Why Play Matters for Children With Autism
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that autism affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. These areas are all developed through play.
Play helps children with autism:
Practice Communication – Using toys, gestures, or role-play to express needs.
Develop Social Skills – Learning turn-taking, sharing, and cooperation.
Explore Emotions – Acting out feelings in a safe, non-threatening space
Build Imagination – Engaging in pretend play supports creativity and problem-solving.
Without support, children with autism may miss out on these learning opportunities. Play therapy bridges the gap.
Types of Play Therapy Used in Autism
At Providence Community ABA, play therapy is integrated with ABA principles to support real-world skill development.
1. Structured Play
Therapists guide activities with clear instructions, such as building a puzzle together. This helps children learn cooperation and following directions.
2. Symbolic or Pretend Play
Using dolls, toy kitchens, or costumes to practice social roles and imagination. For children with autism, this builds abstract thinking and flexibility.
3. Sensory Play
Activities like sand, water, or textured toys help regulate sensory sensitivities common in autism.
4. Social Play
Games with peers or siblings focus on turn-taking, sharing, and communication.
5. Child-Led Play
Therapists follow the child’s interests to build trust and engagement. This empowers children and encourages spontaneous learning.
Benefits of Play Therapy for Children With Autism
Play therapy has proven benefits across many areas of development:
Improved Communication
Using toys, puppets, or role-play helps children practice both verbal and nonverbal communication (Autism Speaks).
Enhanced Social Interaction
Structured games teach children how to engage with others, building confidence in social settings.
Emotional Regulation
Play provides a safe way to act out frustration, fear, or joy, reducing meltdowns and anxiety.
Problem-Solving Skills
Activities like puzzles or pretend play help children learn patience and flexible thinking.
Strengthened Parent-Child Bonds
Parents who participate in play therapy sessions learn strategies to support their child at home.
What a Play Therapy Session Looks Like
At Providence Community ABA, each session is tailored to the child’s goals. A typical session may include:
Warm-Up Activity – Simple games to build comfort.
Skill-Building Play – Targeted activities such as role-playing or cooperative games.
Therapist Guidance – Subtle prompts and reinforcement to encourage communication and interaction.
Parent Involvement – Observing or joining to learn strategies.
Cool-Down – Relaxing activities like drawing or sensory play to end positively.
Sessions are flexible, adapting to the child’s energy level, interests, and progress.
How Families Can Use Play Therapy at Home
Therapists often encourage parents to reinforce strategies outside of sessions. At home, families can:
Use Favorite Toys for Teaching – Practice sharing or requesting with preferred toys.
Incorporate Play Into Daily Routines – Turn mealtime or chores into playful learning opportunities.
Encourage Pretend Play – Role-play cooking, shopping, or storytelling together.
Practice Turn-Taking Games – Board games or simple card games strengthen patience and cooperation.
Celebrate Small Wins – Praise effort and progress to build confidence.
The Association for Play Therapy emphasizes that parents are critical partners in sustaining progress.
When Play Therapy Is Especially Helpful
Play therapy may be particularly effective for children with autism who:
Struggle to express feelings in words
Avoid interaction with peers or family
Have difficulty with pretend or imaginative play
Experience frequent meltdowns or anxiet
Show interest in toys but not in social aspects of play
How Providence Community ABA Supports Families
At Providence Community ABA – Stafford, VA, play therapy is part of a holistic approach to autism care.
Our services include:
Individualized ABA therapy with play-based strategies
Parent training to integrate therapy techniques into everyday life
Family sessions to strengthen bonds and improve communication
Community-based play programs to practice social skills with peers
Telehealth support for coaching parents when in-person sessions aren’t possible
We believe play is the bridge between therapy and everyday life, helping children thrive at home, school, and in the community.
Conclusion
For children with autism, play is more than fun—it is a pathway to communication, connection, and growth. Play therapy offers structured, supportive opportunities for children to develop essential skills while feeling safe and engaged
At Providence Community ABA, we empower children and families to use play as a tool for learning and bonding. With guidance, patience, and consistency, play therapy helps children with autism not only participate in play but thrive in it.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Autism Speaks – Play and Autism
Association for Play Therapy
Contact Providence Community ABA
Every journey with ASD is unique, and every step towards understanding makes a world of difference.
