Infants and children learn many skills through play, and if you notice your child is very rigid with their play, it can be helpful to look at the social stages of play.
What is play?
Play is how children learn and explore their environment. Through play children can learn social skills and act out emotions or themes to help them make sense of the world around them.
Why is important to understand the stages of play?
The progression of play, or lack of progression, can often be a key sign of a larger delay. For example, a child with ASD may struggle with parallel play, associative play, or cooperative play because they have a preference to play alone. A child with ASD may also follow a rigid play scheme or use the toys in a self-stimulatory way by lining them up or spinning wheels on a toy. The more you know about the typical progression of play, the sooner you can spot and address any delays.
Unoccupied Play
Unoccupied play is the first stage of play that emerges in infancy. There is no clear goal or theme, and the infant’s movements appear random. For example, an infant may wriggle around or extend their arms and legs with no clear purpose.
Solitary Play (typically under 3yrs)
Solitary play can be purposeful, and it is independent. Even after children have mastered this stage of play, it is important that they continue to have opportunities to engage in solitary play. During solitary play, a child does not show awareness of other children playing around them. This stage of play is often observed when a child is diagnosed with ASD, because they may need support to move through the next stage. For example, a child may roll a car on a car mat independently.
Onlooker Play (typically 2-3yrs)
Onlooker play is when a child begins to show awareness of others playing around them, though they do not attempt to join the play. For example, a child may watch peers playing chase, and may laugh or comment, but does not attempt to join.
Parallel Play (typically 2.5-4yrs)
Parallel play occurs when a child is able to play next to another child, and is aware that the peer is next to them, but they do not interact. For example, a child may share a Batman structure with a peer by both using it side-by-side, though they are not playing together.
Associative Play (typically 3-4yrs)
Associative play is when children are showing interest in each other, and begin playing together. Their play is often disorganized and does not have clear rules, but the children often have similar goals.
Cooperative Play (typically 4.5-6yrs)
Cooperative play is when the child demonstrates the beginning stages of teamwork. The children utilize rules and a common goal, and the play is organized.
Play and ASD
For a child who is diagnosed with ASD, it can be helpful to determine which stage of play they are in, regardless of their age. Once you determine their current level of play, you can help our child advance by slowly introducing aspects of the next stage of play. For example, if your child engages in parallel play but struggles with associative play, you can join them in parallel play. Then, you might make labeling statements when your child is playing parallel to another child. You could say “look, Bobby, Sue is playing with the Batman structure too!” to encourage your child to attend to others playing around them.
Notes
It is important to note that the range of ages for typical development can vary for child to child, and a delay may not be anything to worry about. If you have concerns about your child’s play, I recommend setting up an observation with a therapist to help determine next steps.
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