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.

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