Why Play Matters for Children with Autism and Neurodevelopmental Differences
When you think about childhood, play is often the first thing that comes to mind. Whether it’s building towers out of blocks, pretending to be superheroes, or making up games with friends, play is how kids make sense of their world. But for children with neurodevelopmental disorders (such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or ADHD) play is more than fun. It’s a powerful tool for learning, communication, and connection.
Recent research highlights just how important play-based interventions can be in creating inclusive classrooms and supporting essential skills like language development. Let’s explore what the science says, and why play deserves a central role in helping every child thrive.
Why Play Matters for All Kids, But Especially Those with ASD
Children with neurodevelopmental differences often face unique challenges in social interaction, communication, and emotional regulation. Traditional learning environments can unintentionally leave these kids behind because they rely heavily on verbal instruction and standardized approaches.
Play, however, levels the playing field (puns!). Through symbolic play, sensory exploration, and imaginative games, children can express themselves without needing the “right words.” This helps them process emotions, practice social interactions, and build problem-solving skills in a natural, child-centered way.
As one researcher put it, “Play is the language of children”—and for kids with autism, that couldn’t be more true.
Play and Language Development: What the Research Shows
A recent meta-analysis looked specifically at whether play therapy interventions improve language skills in children with autism. The results were striking: consistent, play-centered therapy led to measurable gains in communication.
A few key takeaways from the research:
Frequency matters. Children benefited most when play therapy sessions happened at least twice per week. More opportunities to practice meant stronger results.
Adult modeling helps. When therapists, teachers, or parents actively engaged in the play—demonstrating communication and gently prompting children—language growth was stronger.
Consistency is key. Progress is seen more commonly when sessions are maintained weekly and not sporadically.
For parents, this means that modeling in the playful interactions you have with your child at home (when done with intentionality) can be just as important as what happens in a therapy office or classroom.
A Call to Action: Building Inclusive Classrooms Through Play
We also want to consider the experiences your child has outside of the therapy room - especially since we're only with them between .5 and 1% of their year.
When we say "inclusion," it isn’t just about having all kids in the same room. It’s about creating learning environments where every child feels like they belong. Research on play-based learning in schools shows that incorporating therapeutic play strategies benefits not only children with neurodevelopmental disorders but their typically developing peers as well.
Here’s what inclusive, play-based classrooms foster:
Stronger peer relationships. Cooperative games and group play teach kids how to share, take turns, and resolve conflicts. These social skills translate directly to friendships.
Emotional regulation. Through role-play and imaginative scenarios, children practice managing big feelings in a safe space.
Cognitive growth. Play activities encourage problem-solving and creativity, which support academic skills like reading and math.
Acceptance and empathy. When children of all abilities learn and play together, they grow up valuing diversity and inclusion.
What This Means for Parents and Educators
If you’re raising or working with a child with autism or another developmental difference, here are some ways to put the research into practice:
Prioritize play as learning. See play not as a break from learning, but as one of the most effective ways your child can grow socially, emotionally, and cognitively.
Be intentional. Structured play that encourages communication, imagination, and social interaction has long-term benefits.
Stay consistent. Frequent, predictable play sessions—both at home and in school—create the strongest outcomes.
Collaborate. Teachers, therapists, and parents working together ensure that children experience consistent support across settings. We might ask you to sign a Release of Information so we can work with your child's teacher directly.
We’ve seen firsthand how the therapeutic powers of play can transform children’s lives. Whether it’s through child-centered play therapy in our office or encouraging parents and teachers to integrate playful learning at home and school, we believe every child deserves the chance to learn and grow through play.