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Make the Most of Playtime

Tips for Parents & Caregivers

Playtime is vital in shaping your child’s mind and nurturing their creativity. For neurodiverse children play is particularly important as it helps them develop essential social, emotional, and cognitive skills in ways that are engaging and fun. Whether it’s learning new skills or simply having fun – play is the foundation of a happy and healthy childhood. Learn how to enhance your play sessions, so every moment is both enjoyable and enriching.

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Occupational Therapist, Arisse, tailors her therapy sessions with young boy with Autism.

Understand Your Child & Their Needs

Always take your child’s interests into consideration. Children are naturally drawn to activities that pique their curiosity and spark their imagination. Pay attention to what your child enjoys and incorporate it into their playtime. If they have a particular interest in animals, you can plan play sessions around different animal themes and incorporate educational elements. This not only keeps them engaged but also allows for meaningful learning experiences.

If your child is a sensory seeker, you may find that they enjoy messy play or activities with textured objects. On the other hand, if your child is sensory avoidant, they may prefer quieter activities with minimal sensory stimulation. Understanding your child’s specific needs and preferences is essential in creating a play environment that is enjoyable for them.

Always adjust your playtime according to their age and abilities. For younger children, simple and open-ended activities are best, while older children may enjoy more complex games and challenges. Remember to be patient and encouraging as they learn and develop through play.

Lastly, you should always consider your child’s strengths and weaknesses. If they struggle with fine motor skills, incorporating activities that promote dexterity and hand-eye coordination can be beneficial. Choosing activities they enjoy and are challenging for them will build their skills, while having fun and feeling empowered.

Learn & Play

Playtime is an excellent opportunity to introduce new concepts and learning experiences for your child. Whether it’s self-care, fine-motor skills, maths, cooking, art, or music – there are many fun ways to incorporate learning into play without it feeling like a chore.

Below, we have put together some activities that you can use to teach your child a range of invaluable skills.

 

Creativity and Imagination

  • Finger painting (18 months+)
  • Creating music with household items (2 years+)
  • Dress-up and role-playing (3 years+)
  • Building structures with blocks or legos (4 years+)
  • Collage-making with recycled materials (5 years+)
  • Paper maché and sculpting (6 years+)
  • Decorating a cardboard box (7 years+)
  • Storytelling with puppets or stuffed animals (5 years+)
  • Jewellery making with beads and strings (9 years+)
  • Creating a stop-motion animation using toys or clay (10 years+)
  • Card making for special occasions (8 years+)
  • Writing and illustrating their own book (12 years+)

 

Problem Solving Skills

  • Puzzles and board games (18 months+)
  • Building a train track (2 years+)
  • Solving riddles and treasure hunts (3 years+)
  • Brain training games with educational apps or toys (4 years+)
  • Creating an obstacle course in the backyard (5 years+)
  • Science experiments (6 years+)
  • Learning to solve a Rubik’s cube (8 years+)
  • Strategy games like chess or checkers (10 years+)
  • Escape room challenges with family and friends (12 years+)

 

Social Skills

  • Sharing and taking turns with toys and games (2 years+)
  • Participating in group activities like building a fort or playing an instrument together (3 years+)
  • Making friendship bracelets or cards for friends (4 years+)
  • Role-playing different social scenarios (5 years+)
  • Collaborative art projects (6 years+)
  • Joining a sports team or club (8 years+)
  • Volunteering in the community as a family (10 years+)
  • Planning and hosting a party for family or friends (12 years+)

 

Self-Care Skills

  • Pretend play doctor or nurse (2 years+)
  • Pretend play chef or cook (2+ years)
  • Setting the table (5 years+)
  • Arranging flowers in a vase (4 years+)
  • Baking a cake together (7 years+)
  • Planting and caring for a small garden (6 years+)
  • Doing simple household chores, such as folding laundry or sweeping (8 years+)
  • Packing their own school bag or organising their room (9 years+)
  • Making a budget and going grocery shopping together (10 years+)
  • Learning basic first aid skills (11 years+)
  • Washing the car together (12 years+)
 

Fine-Motor Skills

  • Building with blocks or Legos (2 years+)
  • Drawing and colouring books (3 years+)
  • Playing with playdough or clay (3 years+)
  • Jenga (4+ years)
  • Stringing beads or pasta onto a necklace (4 years+)
  • Using scissors to cut paper or shapes (4 years+)
  • Completing simple puzzles (2 years+)

Create a Playful Environment

Your child’s play environment can greatly impact their play experience. Set up a designated play area that is safe, inviting, and well-stocked with toys and materials. This could be a room or just a corner in your living space. Having an organised and clutter-free area allows for easier access to toys and encourages independent play.

For instance, textured balls, colourful blocks, and musical instruments can attract children’s interest and cater to their developmental needs. A well-organised play space helps children feel comfortable and ready to explore, fostering a sense of security and curiosity.

Be Present & Engaged

The most crucial tip is to be present and engaged during playtime. Your active involvement demonstrates to your child that you value this time together. Listen to their ideas, participate in their games, and offer encouragement. This not only deepens your bond but also provides emotional security and validation.

Whether you’re a dragon in their imaginary castle or simply cheering them on as they master a new skill – your presence is the most cherished part of their play experience.

Foster Social Play

Engaging in play with other children and siblings teaches valuable social skills such as sharing, negotiation, and empathy. Organising playdates or collaborative activities emphasises teamwork and strengthens friendships. For neurodiverse children, structured group play with clear roles and routines can be particularly beneficial. Social playtime fosters community, building connections that can last a lifetime.

Use Visual Supports

Visual supports, such as picture schedules, cue cards, and visual timers, can significantly aid neurodiverse children during play. These tools help in understanding routines, transitioning between activities, and providing clear, visual instructions. For instance, a picture schedule can outline the steps involved in a play activity, making it easier for the child to follow along, as well as what activity is going to follow when the game has ended. Visual supports can be a vital part of making playtime smooth and enjoyable for everyone involved.

If you would like to learn more about visual supports and download our free visual cue cards, click the button below!

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Allow Your Child to Lead

While your involvement in play is vital, it’s equally important to let your child take the lead. This means stepping back and providing gentle guidance rather than directing their play. Allowing them to decide what and how to play boosts their confidence and decision-making skills. For example, if they choose to play ‘chef’ in a pretend kitchen, let them assign roles and create their own ‘recipes’.

It can be heartwarming to watch as they proudly take charge, coming up with creative scenarios and solutions, which also offers a golden opportunity to observe their unique ways of thinking.

Use a Diverse Range of Toys

Introducing a range of toys that stimulate different senses keeps playtime engaging and enriching. Toys that stimulate touch, sight, and sound are excellent for developing various sensory pathways.

Consider toys like textured balls, colourful storybooks, and musical instruments. For neurodiverse children, this variety is particularly enriching, catering to their specific sensory preferences and needs. To keep playtime exciting and prevent boredom, consider rotating toys every few weeks. By refreshing the toys in their play area, children remain curious and engaged.

Celebrate Small Wins

Acknowledging and celebrating even the smallest achievements during play can significantly boost a child’s confidence and motivation. Positive reinforcement, through words of encouragement or high-fives, motivates children to continue exploring and learning. For example, celebrating when they successfully build a tall tower of blocks or solve a tricky puzzle reinforces their efforts.

This encouragement is crucial for all children, especially neurodiverse children who may benefit from additional validation of their efforts and successes. It’s a moment to share joy and pride, reinforcing their sense of accomplishment.

By creating a supportive environment, balancing activities, and allowing your child to lead, you can transform play into a powerful developmental tool. Each moment spent playing with your child is a step towards nurturing their growth and celebrating their unique journey!

Encourage Outdoor Play

Outdoor play introduces children to the wonders of nature and provides endless opportunities for physical activity and exploration. Simple activities like a game of tag, a nature scavenger hunt, or simply running around the yard help build physical endurance and coordination.

Ensuring regular time spent outdoors supports a healthy lifestyle and offers numerous sensory experiences—like the feel of grass, the sound of birds, and the sight of flowers. Fresh air and physical activity can profoundly impact a child’s mood and well-being.

Encourage Role Playing

Role-playing games can be particularly beneficial for neurodiverse children, allowing them to practice social interactions in a safe, controlled environment. Setting up different scenarios, such as playing ‘house,’ ‘shopkeeper,’ or ‘doctor,’ helps them understand various social roles and norms. Role-playing fosters imagination while also developing crucial interpersonal skills.

Balance Structured & Unstructured Play

Structured play, such as puzzles or board games, is fantastic for teaching children problem-solving skills and how to follow instructions. Picture a quiet afternoon spent working together on a challenging jigsaw puzzle. This not only hones their cognitive skills but also strengthens family bonds. On the other hand, unstructured play encourages creativity and independence. Let them build fantastical worlds with simple building blocks or engage in imaginative role-play.

For neurodiverse children, incorporating familiar routines within free play can provide much-needed stability while empowering them to express themselves freely, so they can navigate their unique ideas within a space that honours their creativity and comfort.

Below are some examples of structured and unstructured play:

Structured

  • Puzzles and board games
  • Brain-training games on the computer or tablet
  • Art activities with specific instructions or templates
  • Science experiments with a clear goal or outcome
  • Musical instruments with set notes or songs to follow
 

Unstructured

  • Sensory bins
  • Dress-up and pretend play
  • Outdoor exploration and free play in nature
  • Arts and crafts projects with open-ended materials
  • Playing with loose parts such as blocks, and small toys
Supporting your child with autism through occupational therapy, speech pathology, and counselling.

Explore the Benefits of Early Intervention

Therapy and counselling can be extremely beneficial for both neurodiverse and typically developing children. Therapists and counsellors use play-based interventions to work on a range of different skills, such as their fine motor skills, sensory processing, and social interactions. At 8 Senses Therapy, we offer tailored strategies that support your child’s developmental needs, turning every play session into a valuable learning opportunity.

If you’re looking to deepen your understanding of play skills and further support your child’s growth, don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can create a world where every child thrives through the power of play.

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Happy Playing!

Play is not just about keeping children entertained; it is an essential part of their growth and development. With these tips, you can make the most out of your child’s playtime by understanding their needs, creating a playful environment, and incorporating learning and imagination into play activities. Remember to have fun, be patient, and encourage your child to explore and discover new things through play.

Let playtime be a time for bonding, building skills, and creating happy memories that your child will cherish for a lifetime.

Contact

Please note, 8 Senses Therapy is not a 24/7 support service.

If you or your child are in crisis, call one of the mental health helplines below.

If you feel that your or your child are at immediate risk of harm, please call triple zero (000).

Lifeline

13 11 14

lifeline.org.au

Kids Helpline

1800 55 1800

kidshelpline.com.au

Beyond Blue

1300 22 4636

beyondblue.org.au