Daily playtime is a vital part of the healthy psychosocial development of all children. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), however, markedly affects how your child plays and socially interacts. So, as a concerned parent, how can you best help your autistic child?
What Is Play?
Not only is “play” the universal language of childhood, it is also a learning process, which teaches your child to:
- Interact,
- Relate to peers, and
- Establish friendships.
Playing also helps him/her to develop skills vital to the success he/she will achieve in adulthood, such as:
- Gross and fine motor skills,
- Language and communication skills,
- Thinking and problem-solving skills, and
- Social skills.
Why Teach Children With Autism To Play?
Play is an important part of language and social development, which are vital for your child’s social success. While a child with ASD typically likes playing, he/she usually does so in a highly solitary manner, often with only a few toys or in a repetitive way. This lack of play skills can contribute to social isolation. Teaching children with ASD how to play, allows him/her to:
- Connect feelings and thoughts with events,
- Express emotions (develop cause and effect thinking for emotions),
- Learn to see things from another person’s point of view, and
- Learn negotiation, collaboration, and cooperation.
Does It Matter?
Daily play and social activities in childhood significantly influence the child’s wellbeing. Because a child with ASD has trouble with social interaction and communication, his/her likelihood of loneliness is increased and opportunities for social interactions are decreased. The good news is that a board-certified behavioral analyst can design an applied behavioral analysis therapy (ABA) program to help children with autism to learn a variety of functional skills.
Why Dream Big?
Dream Big Children’s Center is a unique indoor play center in Monrovia, California. We offer individualized ABA therapy sessions designed for your child by a board-certified behavioral therapist, in a positive learning environment, allowing your child a unique opportunity to play in a fun-filled, yet motivational setting. If you are passionate about your child’s development, contact us now for more information on the autism services provided by us.