What are play skills in autism?
Play skills include how a child explores toys, uses objects, imitates actions, takes turns, shares attention, and creates pretend ideas. Autistic children may play in focused, repetitive, sensory, or highly specific ways. Support should start by respecting what the child already enjoys.
What types of play can parents support?
- Exploratory play: looking, touching, mouthing, spinning, or inspecting objects.
- Functional play: using toys as intended, such as rolling a car or stacking blocks.
- Imitation play: copying another person's play action.
- Turn-taking play: back-and-forth play with another person.
- Pretend play: feeding a doll, making animals sleep, or pretending a block is food.
Play skill activities for home
Copy your child first
If your child lines up cars, line up a car beside them. If your child spins a wheel, spin a wheel too. Joining first makes it easier to add a small new idea later.
One tiny expansion
Add one simple action to the play. If cars are lined up, drive one car down the line. If blocks are stacked, knock one down and say "fall."
Turn-taking toys
Use bubbles, ball ramps, wind-up toys, or cause-and-effect toys. Keep turns short and rewarding.
How do parents expand play without taking over?
Follow your child's lead first, then add one small variation. Avoid changing everything about the play at once. If the child rejects your idea, return to their play and try an easier expansion later.
The goal is shared enjoyment and flexibility, not making play look a certain way.
Play skill goal examples
- Imitate 5 actions with familiar toys.
- Take 3 turns with an adult using a preferred toy.
- Use one toy functionally for 1 minute.
- Accept one small play expansion from an adult.
- Use one pretend action with a doll, animal, vehicle, or food toy.
Frequently asked questions
Should I stop repetitive play?
Not automatically. Repetitive play may be enjoyable or regulating. You can join it and gently expand when your child is ready.
What if my child only plays alone?
Start by playing nearby without demands. Copy your child, then add very small shared moments.
Does play have to be pretend play?
No. Functional play, sensory play, movement play, and turn-taking are all valuable.