How Can Parents Model Appropriate Play for Children with Autism?

PostedDecember 15, 2025

UpdatedDecember 15, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Lucia Alvarez, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Parent modelling of play in autism is one of the most effective ways to help children learn how to engage, share and connect. Many autistic children benefit from watching familiar adults demonstrate how play works, from turn-taking to imaginative role-play. When parents take an active, intentional role in play, they provide both structure and emotional support.

Unlike peers, parents can offer steady guidance and repetition without pressure or judgement. By narrating actions, showing clear gestures and celebrating small successes, parents can teach their child how to play in a way that feels safe and understandable. This approach builds confidence and often leads to more spontaneous interaction over time.

Practical Ways Parents Can Support Play

Here are some simple yet effective interaction strategies parents can use to support play development at home:

Use clear, simple language

Describe what you’re doing with toys or during games. This helps link actions with words and models communication.

Follow the child’s lead, then expand

Join in with your child’s preferred activity, then gently introduce new ideas or variations. This keeps the play familiar but opens up space for growth.

Break play into clear steps

Demonstrating how to start, continue and finish an activity gives structure and helps with understanding sequences.

With consistent parent modelling of play in autism, children are more likely to explore new types of play, build social skills and enjoy richer connections.

For personal consultation or targeted intervention strategies, visit providers like Autism Detect.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Unusual Play Patterns.

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.