Children with autism often have unique ways of learning and engaging with tasks. Breaking down activities into smaller, manageable steps can make tasks feel less overwhelming and easier to follow. Play, in particular, involves multiple steps that require thinking and problem-solving skills—something many children may struggle with during early development stages (Moor, 2002, cited in Chambers et al., 2016). By breaking activities into clear and structured steps, parents can help their child feel more confident and engaged, fostering valuable learning opportunities along the way.

What is a Play Plan?

Using Visuals to Support Play Plans

Visual aids can simplify and guide play activities, acting as a schedule or step-by-step plan for your child. These visuals are flexible and can be adapted to different types of play. For example:

• Turn-taking visuals help children understand when it’s their turn.
• Single-activity visuals break down one specific activity into steps.
• First/Then visuals show the sequence of completing one task before moving on to the next.

With visuals, play becomes more structured and less intimidating for your child.

Reinforce Positive Play Behaviors

Reinforcement is key to encouraging your child to complete play activities outlined in the plan. This can take many forms, depending on what motivates your child:

• Verbal praise like “Great job building that tower!”
• Preferred items such as a favorite toy, snack, or activity as a reward (outlined beforehand to your child in the play plan).

These rewards should be given immediately, right after your child completes the activity to strengthen the association with positive reinforcement. By recognizing their efforts, you’ll motivate your child to stay engaged and follow the play plan.

What if Your Child Resists the Play Plan?

There might be moments when your child doesn’t want to engage in a particular play activity. This is normal, but it’s vital to stick to the play plan. Follow these strategies to address their resistance:

1. Encourage Follow-Through: Ensure your child completes the activity before giving them any rewards or their chosen activity. This reinforces the idea that completing tasks, even unpreferred ones, is important.

2. Use Prompts When Needed: Offer gentle guidance or support to help your child complete the activity if they’re struggling. For instance, you can model how to engage with the toy or guide them step-by-step through the play.

If your child is consistently allowed to skip unpreferred activities, it can signal to them that avoiding certain tasks results in being rewarded with their favorite activity. This can make it harder over time to introduce less-preferred activities. Sticking to the plan helps set expectations and ensure they develop coping skills for completing less-preferred tasks.

 

Play Ideas to Try at Home with your Child

Functional Play Ideas (when a toy is played with as it should be, e.g rolling a ball):

• Playdoh- making balls, food, using playdoh utensils 
• Water play- use animals, dump and fill with bucket. 
• Cars, trucks and trains- pushing and pulling vehicles. 
• Dolls– feeding the dolls, pushing in stroller, putting to bed.

Pretend Play Ideas (imaginative play where your child pretends with their play, e.g. pretend cooking with playdoh): 

• Dress up 
• Food and kitchen 
• Tea parties 
• Play house 
• Grocery shop 

Interactive Play Ideas (child takes turns with a peer or adult during turn-taking games, e.g. playing board games):

• Hide and seek 
• Board games 
• Red light, green light 
• Physical play / tag / chase

Parallel Play Ideas (this is when your child is near yourself or others while playing with their own toys):

• Train tracks 
• Cars 
• Blocks 
• Books 

Co-operative Play Ideas (your child and a peer using a toy together, e.g. building a tower):

• Block building 
• Puzzles 
• Tug of war 
• Ball play

Supporting your child’s play doesn’t have to be complicated. By breaking activities into steps, using visuals, reinforcing positive behavior, and encouraging follow-through, you create an environment where they feel supported and capable. Remember, every little accomplishment builds their confidence and helps them grow.

Resources

Chambers, L., McDaniel, L., McGill, T. and Wells, K. (2015) Autism in Early Childhood: Teaching object based play. Retrieved from.  

Meadows, T. (2014). Let’s Play. I Love ABA!. Retrieved from.