Developing Play Skills Through ABA Therapy

How Carelinks ABA Helps Children Learn, Connect, and Have Fun

Play is how children explore the world, build relationships, and learn new skills. Through play, children develop communication, social understanding, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. For many children with autism, play may look different or feel challenging. Some children may play in repetitive ways, struggle to engage with others, or have difficulty using toys functionally.

At Carelinks ABA, we believe that with the right planning, consistent effort, and support from our amazing team, every child can build meaningful, joyful play skills.

Why Play Skills Matter So Much

Play is far more than entertainment. It supports development in many important areas, including:

• Social interaction and cooperation

• Communication and language growth

• Imagination and creativity

• Problem-solving and flexibility

• Emotional expression

• Building friendships

Strong play skills help children participate more fully at home, in school, and in the community.

Common Play Challenges for Children with Autism

Some children with autism may:

• Line up toys instead of using them functionally

• Focus on specific parts of toys, like wheels or buttons

• Prefer to play alone

• Struggle with turn-taking

• Have difficulty engaging in pretend play

• Feel overwhelmed during group play

These differences are not wrong. They simply show where a child may need support to expand their play world and connect with others.

How ABA Therapy Helps Develop Play Skills

ABA therapy helps children learn how to play in ways that are flexible, interactive, and meaningful. Rather than forcing specific types of play, ABA builds skills gradually and in a way that feels motivating to the child.

ABA helps by:

• Teaching functional play with toys

• Expanding play routines step by step

• Encouraging turn-taking and sharing

• Introducing pretend play skills

• Reinforcing engagement with others

• Helping children tolerate changes during play

Over time, children learn how to enjoy play not only as an independent activity, but also as a shared social experience.

How Carelinks ABA Teaches Play in a Natural Way

At Carelinks ABA, we use a naturalistic, play-based approach, meaning play is taught through real interactions rather than structured drills. Because we provide in-home ABA therapy, children learn how to play in the environment where they feel most comfortable.

Our therapists work on:

• Playing with familiar toys in the child’s home

• Turn-taking with siblings

• Cooperative games with parents

• Imaginative play using everyday items

• Expanding interests without removing preferred ones

We follow the child’s lead, build on what they already enjoy, and gently introduce new play experiences at a pace that feels safe and motivating.

How Play Builds Stronger Social and Communication Skills

As play skills improve, many other areas of development grow right alongside them. Through play, children naturally practice:

• Making requests

• Using gestures and words

• Reading facial expressions

• Sharing attention

• Cooperating with others

• Managing frustration

Play becomes a powerful bridge between learning and real-world connection.

What Progress in Play Can Look Like

Every child’s journey is different, but families often notice improvements such as:

• Greater interest in toys and games

• Longer engagement during play

• Increased interaction with siblings

• More imaginative or flexible play

• Better turn-taking and sharing

• Increased enjoyment during group activities

These small changes often lead to big growth in confidence and social connection.

Helpful Resources for Parents

Here are trusted resources that offer guidance on play development:

• Zero to Three – The Power of Play https://www.zerotothree.org

• Autism Speaks – Play Skills Toolkit https://www.autismspeaks.org

• CDC – Play and Development https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/childdevelopment

How Carelinks ABA Can Support Your Child’s Play Development

At Carelinks ABA, we believe that play should be joyful, meaningful, and empowering. With thoughtful planning, consistent practice, and the caring support of our dedicated team, your child can build strong play skills that support learning, communication, and connection.