Play is essential for children but can be crucial for children with autism. CDC data shows that 1 in 36 children has autism in the US.
Play therapy allows them to express themselves in a non-threatening manner and build critical social skills. Here’s what you need to know about play therapy for your child with autism:
What Is Play Therapy?
Play therapy is a type of psychotherapy that uses play to explore problems, express feelings, and cope with stress. According to data from Psychology Today, play therapy is used for children aged 3-11 years.
This is very beneficial because early intervention can help significantly with autism. According to research from the University of Texas, early interventions developed in children with autism have helped improve social and communication skills.
The therapist works with the child to help them understand their thoughts and feelings by using toys and other materials in the room. Play therapy is not one-way communication.
It’s an interactive process between the therapist and client where they explore how to solve problems together.
Look for therapists with experience working with children and an office nearby. This is crucial because children might not be able to travel long distances to meet therapists regularly.
So suppose you are living in Texas; you should look for therapists in Texas.
You can also cover your medical expenses for autism treatment with insurance. According to Zencare, most Texas health insurance carriers offer benefits for mental health issues and cover finances for their treatment, including autism.
What Benefits Do Play Therapy Offers for Children with Autism?
Play therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses play to help children with autism develop social skills, learn how to express their feelings, and cope with stress.
Play therapy can also help children diagnosed with autism learn how to interact more effectively with others.
For example, if your child is having trouble making friends at school or getting along with other kids on the playground, play therapy may help him understand his needs to make those connections more easily.
Encourages Communication and Language Development
Children with autism often have difficulty with language development. Play therapy can help children learn to communicate their needs and feelings through words, a crucial skill for social interaction and communication.
A play therapist will encourage the child to use words instead of behaviors, like tantrums or hand flapping, to express themselves.
Practicing this new way of communicating with an adult who is not reacting negatively can help them become more comfortable using words in other situations.
With play therapy, children can improve their communication skills at the earliest. In fact, an NCBI study shows that 1 in 4 children with ASD show typical or even exceptional language development by the age of 5.
Improves Social Skills and Peer Interactions
Play therapy can help children with autism learn how to interact with others. Children with autism often have difficulty making friends and engaging in social interactions, but through play therapy, these children can learn how to communicate effectively.
Play is a universal language that everyone understands.
Through play, we learn about ourselves, express our thoughts and feelings, solve problems, or make decisions, all important for developing social skills and learning how we relate to others around us.
Enhances Emotional Regulation and Self-Esteem
Play therapy is a powerful tool for strengthening emotional regulation and self-esteem in children with autism.
The playful nature of the sessions allows children to express their feelings safely, which can be especially helpful for kids who struggle with social skills. Play therapists also help children better understand their emotions by teaching them how to identify cues that indicate they are feeling frustrated or angry.
This helps kids develop a sense of control over their emotions so they don’t feel overwhelmed later in life.
In addition, play therapy offers an opportunity for kids with autism to see themselves as competent, a crucial factor when it comes to developing healthy self-esteem.
When you spend time encouraging your children’s strengths instead of focusing on what makes them different from other people, you give them something solid upon which they can base their confidence.
Facilitates Cognitive and Academic Growth
Play therapy can help children with autism improve their cognitive and academic skills. It is effective at helping children learn to read, write and do math.
Play therapy facilitates learning by providing an environment where the child feels comfortable trying new things without fear of failure or embarrassment.
The therapist will work closely with the parents to develop a plan that meets the needs of each child.
Provides a Safe and Fun Outlet for Sensory Exploration
Sensory exploration can help children develop and improve their social skills and communication and interaction skills.
If you’re interested in sensory exploration but aren’t sure how to get started, here are some tips:
- Talk with your child’s therapist or teacher about the benefits of sensory play therapy. They may be able to offer specific ideas based on what they know about your child’s interests and needs.
- Use everyday items that provide sensory input, such as sandpaper blocks, water beads, mirrors, bubble wrap, or other similar materials that give off different sounds when touched or banged together. Try using these items at home before trying them out at school so everyone knows exactly what’s happening.
Another thing therapists recommend is ensuring there are enough things around so kids don’t have trouble finding something interesting whenever they need something new. This means having enough supplies available 24/7 so nobody gets bored easily.
But, before you start with sensory exploration, it is essential to note that individuals with ASD have sensory processing and motor issues.
Sensory therapies need to focus on participation in play, self-care, school group activities, or social activities.
Different Types of Play Therapy for Children with Autism
Play therapy can be used to address a variety of issues. It can address specific problems, general issues, or a combination.
- Specific Problems: Some children with autism may have trouble communicating and interacting with others, while others might struggle with sensory processing or social skills. Play therapy can help children work through these challenges by allowing them to express themselves and develop new skills in an environment where they feel safe and comfortable.
- General Issues: Besides addressing specific problems, play therapy helps children develop their overall sense of self-worth by creating an encouraging space to express themselves freely without fear of judgment or criticism from adults or peers.
Conclusion
Play therapy is a proven technique for helping children with autism. The benefits of play therapy for autistic children include improved communication skills and social interactions, as well as increased self-esteem and emotional regulation.
This type of therapy can also help your child develop cognitive abilities, such as language and reasoning skills, which are vital in academic success later in life.