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Are Play Behaviours in Autism Linked to Social Skills Development? 

Posted
Updated
ByMy Patient Advice
Author: Lucia Alvarez, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Play is more than fun, it’s how children learn to connect, communicate, and understand others. For children with autism, play behaviours often develop differently, shaping how social skills grow. According to NICE guidance (CG170) and NHS resources, play provides essential opportunities to build relationships, practice communication, and develop emotional understanding. 

Private Adult Autism Assessment

How Play and Social Skills Are Connected 

Autistic children may prefer structured, sensory, or repetitive play rather than imaginative or cooperative games. These play patterns can limit early opportunities for turn-taking and sharing but can also be used positively to support connection. 

Joint attention, when two people focus on the same activity, is a major predictor of social and language development. Activities like rolling a ball, stacking blocks, or looking at picture books together help children practise attention, imitation, and turn-taking. 

Therapies That Use Play to Build Social Skills 

Therapists and parents can use play to strengthen communication, imitation, and cooperation. Evidence-based programmes include: 

  • JASPER: Builds joint attention and symbolic play, leading to better social engagement. 
  • SCERTS and Floortime: Encourage flexible, child-led play and emotional regulation, endorsed by RCOT 

Everyday Strategies for Parents 

Simple play moments at home can strengthen social development: 

  • Follow your child’s interests and join their play. 
  • Encourage turn-taking with predictable games. 
  • Use visuals and gentle routines to build confidence. 
  • Celebrate small moments of connection, not just words or eye contact. 

Resources from the Autism Education Trust and Ambitious About Autism provide free activities and guides for parents and educators. 

When to Seek Support 

If your child struggles to connect or engage in play, professional support can help.

Autism Detect offers private autism assessments and personalised aftercare, helping families use play-based strategies to improve communication and confidence. 

Takeaway 

Play is the foundation of social learning. With the right support and encouragement, every shared game or moment of attention can help a child with autism grow in confidence, communication, and connection. 

According to NHS and NICE experts, structured, responsive play is one of the most effective ways to nurture social development in autistic children.

Lucia Alvarez, MSc
Author

Lucia Alvarez is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and extensive experience providing evidence-based therapy and psychological assessment to children, adolescents, and adults. Skilled in CBT, DBT, and other therapeutic interventions, she has worked in hospital, community, and residential care settings. Her expertise includes grief counseling, anxiety management, and resilience-building, with a strong focus on creating safe, supportive environments to improve mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy. 

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS
Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy. 

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