Three early years children playing with plastic balls

'Teaching Play': helping children with autism learn to play

  • General
  • 10 Oct 2023
early years
Communication and interaction

Kay Smith, an Area Senco, shares her experience of helping children with autism learn how to play. This article originally appeared in 'Special' in March 2016

Learn how you can help children with autism develop their play skills. Kay talks us through a step-by-step approach, based on Vygotsky's 'zone of proximal development'.

Please note: Our resources reflect the terminology and accepted language of the moment in time at which they were produced, and sometimes, although content remains relevant and valid, as our knowledge and understanding grows, some of the terms may not be what we would now choose to use. We are currently working through our resources to flag any changes as appropriate. These changes will also be incorporated when content is refreshed, which we strive to do as often as possible.

This resource was first published in February 2017 and was last reviewed in October 2023.

Full access to this resource is available for:


Free

You must be logged in to to get access

LOG IN

You may also be interested in

Front cover for Early Years SEND Review Guide

Early Years SEND Review Guide

  • General
  • 17 Sep 2024
Free
early years
SEND Review
WSS Review Guide

The Early Years SEND Review Guide was developed for Early Years practitioners and reviewers, to support the review and development of inclusive provision and practice.

View resource
parent playing with child

Time Together with your Toddler

  • General
  • 09 May 2024
Free
early years
guide

This booklet has been produced by nasen for parents, carers and families of all children in the Early Years but particularly those with SEND. It gives ideas for places to look for activities to do with young children from trusted and well-known sources.

View resource
An image of an early years child playing with a colourful wooden toy

SEND Code of Practice & EYFS Framework – what they say

  • General
  • 12 Apr 2024
Free
early years

This resource is a quick reference guide which highlights the key messages for SEND in the context of early years. It can be printed out and displayed, used as the focus of a staff meeting or kept in the front of a practitioner’s planning folder.

View resource