ABA and Play Skills: Learning Through Fun

Why Play Matters

Play is much more than entertainment. For children, play is a primary way to explore the world, develop motor skills, build imagination, and learn how to interact with others. It provides the foundation for social, emotional, and cognitive growth.

For children with autism or developmental differences, play may look different. Some children prefer repetitive play, like lining up toys, while others may avoid group games or struggle with pretend play. These differences can sometimes limit opportunities to connect with peers or explore new learning experiences.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) helps bridge this gap by teaching play skills in structured yet fun ways. Through play, children not only learn specific tasks but also gain confidence, social skills, and joy.

The ABA Approach to Play

ABA therapy views play as a teachable skill. Just like brushing teeth or tying shoes, play can be broken into smaller steps, taught systematically, and reinforced over time.

Structured and Natural Play

ABA therapists use both structured play (with clear goals and steps) and natural play (following the child’s lead). Structured play teaches specific skills, like turn-taking, while natural play encourages creativity and social interaction.

Breaking Skills into Steps

For example, teaching a child to play “pretend kitchen” might include:

1. Picking up a play spoon.
2. Pretending to stir in a bowl.
3. Offering pretend food to another person.

By dividing the play into smaller parts, children gradually learn the sequence of actions involved.

Reinforcement Makes Play Rewarding

Each attempt at a new skill is celebrated, whether through praise, smiles, or natural rewards like getting to continue the game. This motivates children to keep participating and exploring.

Types of Play Skills ABA Supports

1. Functional Play

Functional play involves using toys or objects as intended—for example, pushing a toy car or stacking blocks. ABA helps children learn these foundational play behaviors, which are stepping stones to more complex play.

2. Pretend Play

Pretend or imaginative play allows children to take on roles, create stories, and build creativity. ABA therapists may model pretend play, like feeding a doll, and encourage the child to imitate. Over time, children begin to create their own imaginative play.

3. Cooperative Play

Playing with others requires skills like sharing, turn-taking, and negotiation. ABA uses structured games and peer practice to build these abilities, helping children feel included and confident in social settings.

4. Independent Play

While social play is important, being able to play independently also builds problem-solving and focus. ABA helps children practice engaging with toys or activities on their own.

How ABA Teaches Play

Modeling

Therapists demonstrate how to play with a toy or engage in a game. For example, they may show how to roll a ball back and forth before encouraging the child to try.

Prompting and Fading

At first, prompts guide the child through the play—such as hand-over-hand assistance. Over time, prompts are reduced until the child plays independently.

Peer Practice

Sessions often include peers so children can practice social play. A therapist may guide interactions, like taking turns on a slide, and gradually step back as children succeed on their own.

Using Interests as Motivation

Play is most meaningful when it includes a child’s interests. If a child loves trains, therapists use train sets to teach turn-taking, building tracks, or imaginative scenarios.

Benefits of Building Play Skills

Play isn’t just about fun—it contributes to broader developmental growth:

• Social development: Learning cooperation, empathy, and friendship.
• Language skills: Practicing conversation, labeling objects, and storytelling.
• Motor skills: Building coordination through activities like climbing, drawing, or stacking.
• Emotional regulation: Using play to express feelings and manage stress.
• Problem-solving: Figuring out how to build, create, or negotiate during games.

When children build play skills, they gain tools that support learning, social connections, and confidence.

How Parents Can Encourage Play at Home

Parents play a vital role in reinforcing play skills outside of therapy. Here are some practical tips:

1. Follow Your Child’s Lead

Notice what interests your child and join in. If they love building blocks, sit with them and model building towers.

2. Create Opportunities for Turn-Taking

Simple games like rolling a ball back and forth or taking turns with a toy car teach sharing and cooperation.

3. Use Pretend Play in Daily Life

Encourage imagination by pretending to cook dinner together, play “store,” or act out favorite stories.

4. Provide a Variety of Toys and Materials

Offer toys that encourage creativity, like blocks, dolls, puzzles, or art supplies. Rotate toys to keep interest fresh.

5. Celebrate Play Attempts

Even if play isn’t perfect, praise your child for trying. For example: “I love how you shared your toy!” Encouragement builds confidence.

A Story of Progress: Learning Through Play

Eli, a four-year-old, struggled with play. He often lined up toy cars but rarely joined group games or pretend scenarios. Through ABA, Eli’s therapist introduced structured play sessions with clear goals. First, Eli learned to push the toy car back and forth with his therapist. Next, he practiced turn-taking with another child. Finally, he was guided into creating simple pretend games, like “car race.”

At first, Eli resisted. But with reinforcement and practice, he began to enjoy the games. Over time, he initiated play with peers, inviting them into his car races. His parents noticed that playtime at home became less solitary and more joyful.

Long-Term Benefits of Play Skills

Play skills extend far beyond childhood games. They prepare children for:

• Friendships: Cooperative play builds lasting relationships.
• School success: Group activities and classroom games require social play skills.
• Creativity: Pretend play fosters imagination, a skill valuable in academics and later life.
• Resilience: Play teaches flexibility and coping when things don’t go as planned.

Through play, children not only learn but also create joyful experiences that last a lifetime.

FAQ

Q1: Why does my child only play in repetitive ways?
Children with autism may find comfort in repetitive play. ABA gently expands play by introducing new skills and modeling different ways to engage with toys.

Q2: Can play skills really be taught?
Yes. Play can be broken into steps, modeled, and reinforced—just like any other skill. Over time, children learn both structured and imaginative play.

Q3: What if my child prefers to play alone?
Independent play is valuable, but cooperative play can be encouraged gradually. Start with short, structured games with one partner and build from there.

Q4: How do I know if my child is making progress?
Look for small changes—like trying a new toy, taking turns, or pretending for the first time. Each step is progress toward richer play.

‍