Children with autism often experience challenges in social communication and play, not because they lack imagination or curiosity, but because their way of understanding and responding to others’ cues differs. Communication therapies, including speech and language therapy (SLT), social communication interventions, and play-based approaches, can bridge this gap. According to NICE and NHS guidance, these interventions play a key role in improving joint attention, emotional connection, and appropriate play skills in autistic children (NICE CG170).
How Communication Therapies Support Play
Most children learn through play; it’s how they connect, share, and communicate. For autistic children, however, play can sometimes feel structured around routines or objects rather than people. Communication therapies aim to build reciprocal engagement, helping children enjoy shared moments and express ideas more clearly.
According to NICE guidance, structured play-based strategies and parent/carer mediation are central to effective autism support. Therapists tailor sessions to each child’s developmental level, using fun, goal-directed activities to encourage eye contact, turn-taking, imitation, and shared attention. NHS children’s therapy services also endorse creative and play-based activities for developing communication and social understanding (NHS Lincolnshire Children’s Therapy Services).
Evidence from Research (2020–2025)
Evidence from 2020–2025 confirms that communication therapies enhance play, interaction, and social engagement in autistic children:
Speech and Language Therapy (SLT)
A 2025 study by Khan et al. in Pakistan showed that eight weeks of structured oral language therapy led to 100% of participating children developing functional expressive language, up from 74% before treatment. This pre- and post-test study demonstrated clear real-world improvements in expressive communication and social play (Khan et al., 2025).
Early Start Denver Model (ESDM)
A 2025 multicentre randomised controlled trial led by Geoffray et al. in France and Belgium (PubMed, NCT02608333) tested ESDM on 180 children aged 19–36 months. While the study found no statistically significant improvement in developmental quotient compared to usual care, it confirmed that ESDM is feasible and safe, with potential benefits for certain subgroups when implemented consistently (Geoffray et al., 2025).
SCERTS Model
Developed by Barry Prizant and colleagues, the SCERTS model (Social Communication, Emotional Regulation, and Transactional Support) focuses on teamwork between families and professionals. Evidence from Prizant et al. (2020) and Yu et al. (2018) shows measurable gains in social communication, emotional regulation, and interaction outcomes. Schools and clinics across the UK have adopted this model to support real-life social progress (Prizant, 2020).
Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT)
Meta-analyses and RCTs by Lei et al. (2017) and Uljarević et al. (2022) found that children who participated in PRT demonstrated significant improvements in symbolic and varied play, as well as sustained social interaction compared to control groups. These studies, published in Frontiers in Psychiatry, underline that while responsiveness varies, PRT offers substantial gains in functional play and spontaneous communication (Uljarević et al., 2022).
Play Therapy and Occupational Interventions
A 2023 narrative review by Elbeltagi et al., published in Frontiers in Psychology, found that structured play therapy helps autistic children engage in more appropriate play behaviour, express emotions safely, and reduce challenging behaviours. Occupational therapy using sensory integration play also showed well-established neurodevelopmental benefits, supporting independence and confidence in social settings (Elbeltagi et al., 2023).
What This Means for Families
Evidence across NICE, NHS, and international studies supports a clear conclusion: communication and play are deeply linked. Therapies that teach children how to share, imitate, and respond in play help develop social understanding, emotional regulation, and independence.
Importantly, the best outcomes occur when these therapies are:
- Individualised — adapted to each child’s unique profile
- Collaborative — involving parents, teachers, and caregivers
- Developmentally sensitive — meeting the child where they are, not where others expect them to be
These approaches create space for children to thrive socially and emotionally, turning play into a bridge for connection rather than a challenge to overcome.
Takeaway
According to NICE and NHS guidance, communication-based therapies, from SLT to play-focused models like SCERTS and PRT, can meaningfully improve how children with autism engage in play. While not every intervention suits every child, the growing body of research shows that play-based, family-centred communication therapy is one of the most effective ways to foster social development.
If you’re considering a private autism assessment for your child, you can explore your options with Autism Detect, a UK-based service rated “Good” by the CQC. They provide professional, child-friendly autism assessments and ongoing after-care support to help families understand and nurture each child’s unique communication style.
