Play Therapy for Children with Autism and ADHD: Building Stronger Foundations for Learning and Behavior

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often need more than traditional instruction to succeed. Addressing their emotional, behavioural, and sensory needs is essential to fostering both academic performance and personal growth.

One powerful, research-supported approach gaining momentum in inclusive education is play therapy. This child-centered intervention can be applied by specialists and reinforced by educators, both in-person and online.

What Is Play Therapy?

Play therapy is a structured, therapeutic approach where children use play as a tool to express themselves, manage emotions, and develop essential life skills. It is particularly effective for young learners who struggle with communication or behaviour in standard classroom environments.

Play therapy is typically led by certified professionals (e.g., therapists, and child psychologists), but elements of therapeutic play can also be adapted by teachers and special education staff within Individual Education Plans (IEPs).

Key Benefits of Play Therapy for Autism and ADHD

1. Social Skill Development

Many children with autism have difficulty with communication, social cues, or peer interaction. Through play, children practice:

• Turn-taking and role-play (e.g., “pretend store” or “teacher and student”)

• Emotion charades and matching games

• Cooperative games that promote teamwork

These games help improve empathy, expression, and social confidence.

2. Improved Focus and Attention

Children with ADHD often struggle with attention, impulsivity, and task-switching. Play therapy can include:

• Sequencing puzzles and pattern recognition games

• Listening to games like “Freeze Dance” or “Simon Says”

• Multi-step obstacle courses with visual cues

Such activities strengthen executive function and cognitive control.

3. Emotional Regulation and Coping

The play offers a safe outlet for expressing frustration, anxiety, or overstimulation. Helpful tools include:

• Sensory bins and sand trays for calming stimulation

• Emotion-identification flashcards

• Puppet storytelling to externalise internal feelings

These strategies teach children how to recognise and manage emotions in real-time.

4. Behavioural Reinforcement

Structured games allow children to experience success, build resilience, and internalise positive behaviours. Examples include:

• Token systems for following game rules

• Choice-based play as a reward

• Visual behaviour trackers linked to preferred activities

Repetition and reward help reinforce consistency in behaviour both in and out of the classroom.

Can Play Therapy Be Done Online?

Yes, online play therapy is both possible and increasingly effective. With the rise of virtual education and teletherapy, many tools are now available to support remote intervention.

Online-Friendly Play Therapy Ideas:

• Virtual storytelling with prompts and feedback

• Interactive drawing apps to express emotions

• Digital emotion wheels and matching games

• Household sensory scavenger hunts (“find something soft or red”)

• Puppet play and role-playing via video calls

These activities are especially useful when children cannot access in-person therapy or need ongoing support from home.

Who Should Lead Play Therapy?

• Formal play therapy should be delivered by qualified professionals such as:

  • Licensed child psychologists

  • Play therapists

  • Occupational or behavioural therapists

• Classroom-based play strategies may be implemented by:

  • Special education teachers

  • SEND coordinators

  • Teaching assistants under supervision

In both cases, collaboration is essential. Educators, therapists, and families should work together to align learning goals with therapeutic needs.

Play therapy is more than play, it’s purposeful intervention. For children with autism and ADHD, it builds the bridge between emotional development, social interaction, and academic achievement.

By introducing structured, evidence-based play strategies, both in-person and online educators and families can help neurodiverse learners gain the tools they need to thrive in their learning environments.