What Your Autistic Preschooler Needs Most Isn’t in a Workbook—It’s in Play-Based Learning

Play based learning is an ideal way to work on language and social skills for autistic children.

The Power of Play-based Learning in Autism

Have you ever wondered why your child always seems to be playing at her preschool or pre-kindergarten program, or searched tirelessly for the best program that will focus on teaching your 4- or 5-year-old "real skills" like letters and numbers? This concern can be even more pronounced if you have a child with a diagnosis such as autism, where you may feel desperate to help them catch up to their peers.

However, it’s important to understand that most children with autism will struggle far more with the social complexities of play, using language effectively, and practicing self-regulation and group social skills like sharing and taking turns. The early childhood environment is an ideal place to practice these foundational skills, and once they are in place, the more traditional skills such as writing, reading, or doing math will come much more easily.

As a parent, it’s natural to wonder what your child is gaining from their time spent in preschool or kindergarten, especially when much of their day seems filled with play. You might find yourself asking, "Is my child just playing, or are they actually learning something important?" The truth is play is one of the most powerful and effective ways young children learn. Through play, they develop essential skills that form the foundation for their future academic and personal success. If you're looking for a way to visually communicate the value of play in your classroom, these center signs are an excellent tool to showcase the learning happening every day.

These center signs highlight some skills that children can be working on while it appears they are "just playing".

Table of Contents

1. Why Play-Based Learning Matters

2. What Are Children Really Learning Through Play?

   • Cognitive Development

   • Social and Emotional Growth

   • Physical Skills

   • Language and Literacy

3. The Role of Classroom Centers in Supporting Play-Based Learning

4. Creating the Right Environment

5. Research Supporting Play-Based Learning

6. Communicating the Learning Behind Play in Your Classroom

7. Conclusion: Embracing Play as Learning

Why Play-Based Learning Matters

Play-based learning is not just an easy way to keep children occupied; it’s a research-backed approach that acknowledges the way young children naturally explore, experiment, and understand the world around them. In a well-structured play environment, children are constantly learning—whether it’s problem-solving while building with blocks, practicing social skills during dramatic play, or developing fine motor skills through art activities.

What Are Children Really Learning Through Play?

Cognitive Development

Play is a rich ground for cognitive growth. When children engage in activities like puzzles, blocks, or pretend play, they’re not just having fun—they’re also working on critical thinking, problem-solving, and understanding cause and effect. For example, matching objects to numbers or exploring shapes and colors helps children develop mathematical reasoning and early literacy skills.

Social and Emotional Growth

In play, children learn to navigate social interactions, share resources, and collaborate with peers. Dramatic play centers, where children role-play real-life scenarios, help them practice empathy, negotiation, and conflict resolution. These experiences are crucial for building emotional intelligence and forming healthy relationships.

Physical Skills

Whether it’s running, jumping, or manipulating small objects, play is essential for physical development. Gross motor activities like those in a gross motor center build strength and coordination, while fine motor tasks, such as cutting or painting, enhance hand-eye coordination and prepare children for writing.

Language and Literacy

Language development thrives in a play-based environment, especially for children with autism, where they are naturally encouraged to communicate and express themselves. Many children with autism face challenges with coordinating eye contact with requests, using gestures to communicate, understanding and following multi-step directions, and using language with peers. Play-based activities offer a supportive context for addressing these areas.

Centers like story time, dramatic play, and puppets provide valuable opportunities for children to expand their vocabulary, understand narrative structures, and engage in meaningful conversations. These interactions help children with autism practice using gestures to communicate, negotiate with peers, and develop social communication skills, which are often areas of difficulty. By engaging in these activities, children with autism can work on expressing themselves more effectively, addressing specific language and social deficits through immersive, play-based experiences that are more likely to be generalized to the natural environment.

The Role of Classroom Centers in Supporting Play-Based Learning

Classroom centers are an excellent way to utilize play based learning, providing a rich environment where children can explore, create, and learn in ways that are meaningful to them. While it might seem like children are simply playing, each center is intentionally designed with specific learning goals in mind.

One of the greatest benefits of centers is the sense of control they offer children within an adult-structured setting. Teachers carefully select materials that will naturally guide children toward achieving developmental goals, but it’s the children who decide how to engage with these materials, making choices that empower their learning journey.

These centers also serve as gateways to new experiences. Children may explore areas they haven’t shown interest in before, inspired by seeing their peers engage. This exposure can ignite new passions and broaden their horizons. The consistent structure of centers, combined with the rotation of materials, keeps the environment stimulating while offering a sense of security. Through centers, children also learn to plan their play, deciding which activities to tackle, in what order, and with whom. This planning fosters critical executive functioning skills that will be invaluable as they grow.

Children with autism or similar learning styles may need some additional guidance to fully benefit from the opportunities that classroom centers offer. While centers are designed to foster independence and self-directed learning, some children might initially find it challenging to engage with the materials or explore beyond familiar areas. It’s important to observe whether a child with autism is actively participating or if they’re aimlessly drifting around the room. If you notice the latter, offering gentle guidance can help them connect with the activities and start engaging more meaningfully.

One potential drawback of centers is that autistic children may gravitate towards just one or two familiar centers, missing out on the variety of experiences available to them. To support these children in exploring more of the classroom, structures like timers or a visual schedule can be put in place. These tools can help them transition from one center to another, gradually building their comfort level and encouraging them to engage with different materials and activities. By providing this support, you can ensure that all children, including those with autism, benefit from the rich learning environment that centers provide.

Creating the Right Environment

The environment in which children play is just as crucial as the activities they engage in. A well-balanced classroom offers a mix of adult-directed activities and child-initiated exploration, creating opportunities for children to take the lead in their learning while also benefiting from structured guidance. It’s important that the environment is filled with open-ended activities that encourage creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving. This approach not only supports individual growth but also helps children develop the skills they need to navigate the world around them

Research Supporting Play-Based Learning

Decades of research support the idea that play is a crucial part of early childhood development. A study published in the journal Pediatrics emphasizes that play is essential for healthy brain development and helps children develop social, emotional, and cognitive skills.

Additionally, the American Academy of Pediatrics advocates for play as a vital component of early learning, noting that it enhances brain structure and function, promotes executive function, and contributes to the development of resilience.

The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) also highlights the importance of play-based learning, stating that it supports all areas of a child's development—cognitive, social, emotional, and physical—and is an essential part of their early education

Communicating the Learning Behind Play in Your Classroom

As a preschool or early childhood, or special education teacher, it can be challenging to convey that your classroom is purposefully designed for learning—even when it looks like 'just play.' Each area is set up with clear goals in mind. If you're looking for a way to communicate this to families and staff, consider these center signs that feature realistic

photos, and a brief list of the skills children are developing in each center.

Conclusion: Embracing Play as Learning

The next time you see your child deeply engaged in play, remember that they are not just passing the time—they are working hard at developing the skills that will serve them for a lifetime. Play is the natural way children learn, and through well-designed classroom centers, they are building a strong foundation for their future.

These skills, which can really only be learned through play, are especially critical if you have a child with autism. Social interactions, language use, and self-regulation are often areas where autistic children face the most challenges, and these are precisely the skills that play helps to develop. So, if you see your child happily at play when you visit their preschool, embrace it, knowing that it’s one of the most effective ways your child is learning and growing.

Citations:

• American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). (2018). The Power of Play: A Pediatric Role in Enhancing Development in Young Children. Pediatrics. Retrieved from https://pediatrics.aappublications.org.

• National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). (n.d.). Why Play-Based Learning?. Retrieved from https://www.naeyc.org.