Summer Play for Children with Autism: Encouraging Meaningful Fun Through Movement and Creativity
May 15, 2025
May 15, 2025
Written by Taylor Thompson, BCBA
Every child interacts with and experiences the world differently. For many children diagnosed with autism, their play and exploration can include unique behaviors that are automatically reinforcing. This means that they will engage in the activity solely because it feels good to them. This might look like watching lights flicker through the branches, spinning in the wind, humming, or exploring their environment through excessive touch. While these behaviors are not inherently concerning, they can sometimes limit a child’s engagement with their environment or their ability to build friendships through appropriate play.
Fortunately, summer is the perfect time to explore new opportunities that encourage positive play interactions, especially through physical activity and an enriched environment. Both of which research has shown can help reduce repetitive behaviors and support the development of social and motor skills.
Tips for Promoting Positive Play This Summer
Keep in Mind
By integrating fun, structured, and meaningful activities into the summer, you’re helping your child develop skills that extend far beyond play. You’re also opening the door to joyful experiences that can improve well-being, connection, and confidence.
Here’s to a summer filled with fun, laughter, and lots of positive play!
References:
Goldman, K. J., DeLeon, I. G., Schieber, E., Weinsztok, S. C., & Nicolini, G. (2021). Increasing physical activity and analyzing parametrically the effects on stereotypy in children with autism spectrum disorder. Behavioral Interventions, 36(4), 867–891. https://doi.org/10.1002/bin.1812
Gover, H. C., Fahmie, T. A., & McKeown, C. A. (2018). A review of environmental enrichment as treatment for problem behavior maintained by automatic reinforcement. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 52(1), 299–314. https://doi.org/10.1002/jaba.508
Grosprêtre, S., Ruffino, C., Derguy, C., & Gueugneau, N. (2024). Sport and autism: What do we know so far? A review. Sports Medicine – Open, 10(107). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40798-024-00765-x
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