The playground can be an overwhelming experience for children who have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Not only is it an unstructured environment, but it can also be crowded and unpredictable. Children with ASD don’t naturally acquire the skills to be able to interact with others and these need to be taught through specific interventions. There are many activities that parents can do with their children to help the transition into the playground. Areas for parents to consider include relational and sensory activities and social stories.
Relational Activities
These activities use rewarding teaching methods and focus on people’s faces. Simple activities that utilize cause and effect work really well. A great example is Peek-a-boo because it prompts children to look at the other person and it cements object permanence. Other relational activities to try include:
● Modelling
● Face games
● Reading
● Board games (such as Guess Who)
Sensory activities
These activities allow children to work through their sensitivity issues in a fun way. Ideas that you can use include:
● Outdoor play sets/playgrounds
● Textured cloths and blocks
● Sensory bins (such as dry beans, rice, oatmeal)
● Chase, tag and running games
Social stories
Social stories are a great way for children with ASD to gain an understanding of specific social interactions and can help them with their social comprehension skills. Social stories can be used to assist children with developing an understanding of expected vs. unexpected behaviors in various social situations, thus helping them to predict how individuals should or should not respond.
Conclusion
Navigating the playground can be a challenging experience for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, but with the right strategies and support, it can also become a rewarding opportunity for growth. Engaging your child in relational and sensory activities, as well as using social stories, can lay a strong foundation for understanding social interactions and feeling more confident in unstructured environments.
For families looking for additional guidance, professional Counseling Services can provide support in understanding and managing the emotional aspects of social development. Our Occupational Therapy Services—including pediatric occupational therapy and occupational therapy for adults—offer personalized interventions that target sensory integration, motor planning, and social participation. Enrolling your child in a Social Skills Group can also offer structured peer interactions, helping them learn, practice, and generalize social skills in a supportive environment.
With a combination of home-based strategies and professional support, your child can develop the skills they need to thrive not only on the playground, but in everyday life. Contact us now!
Yours in Health,
New Horizons Wellness Services13333 SW 68th Pkwy,
Tigard, OR 97223
- https://g.page/newhws
New Horizons Wellness Services provides a true multidisciplinary approach to mental & physical health treatments for children, adults and families.