Using Play to Boost Communication in Young Children with Autism

Why Play Is a Natural Pathway to Communication

For young children with autism, play is more than just fun-it is a foundational tool for learning to communicate. When a child is engaged in an activity they enjoy, they are naturally more motivated to interact, share attention, and try new words or gestures. This is why many speech-language pathologists and behavior analysts use play-based strategies to build communication skills.

In New Jersey, families have access to evidence-based therapies like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) that integrate play into daily routines. At Liftoff ABA, we design personalized, BCBA-led programs that use your child's favorite toys and games to teach requesting, commenting, and social turn-taking. Because therapy happens in your home, we can work with the toys and activities your child already loves.

Key Communication Skills You Can Build Through Play

Joint Attention

Joint attention is the ability to share focus on an object or event with another person. For example, when a child points to a toy car and looks at you to share the excitement, that is joint attention. This skill is a critical precursor to language. To encourage it, try holding a preferred toy near your face and waiting for your child to make eye contact before giving it to them. Over time, this teaches them that looking at you leads to fun interactions.

Requesting

Requesting is often one of the first communication functions children learn. During play, you can create opportunities for your child to ask for something they want. For instance, if they love bubbles, blow a few, then pause and hold the wand near your mouth. Wait for any attempt to communicate-a sound, a gesture, or a word-before blowing more. This builds the connection between communication and getting needs met.

Turn-Taking

Simple games like rolling a ball back and forth or stacking blocks together teach the back-and-forth rhythm of conversation. Use a clear verbal cue like "My turn" and "Your turn," and keep the game short and fun. If your child loses interest, that's okay-end on a positive note and try again later.

Practical Play-Based Strategies for Parents

Follow Your Child's Lead

Observe what your child is naturally drawn to-whether it's cars, dolls, or sensory bins-and join in at their level. If they are lining up cars, sit beside them and hand them another car. Comment simply on what they are doing: "You put the red car here." This shows your child that you value their choices and encourages them to include you in their play.

Use Simple, Repetitive Language

During play, use short phrases that match your child's current language level. For a child who is not yet speaking, you might say "car go" or "up, up, up" while lifting a toy. Repetition helps them learn the sounds and meanings of words. As they progress, you can expand slightly: "The car goes fast!"

Create Predictable Routines

Children with autism often thrive on predictability. You can build a simple play routine, like a song before blowing bubbles or a special "ready, set, go!" before pushing a car down a ramp. Over time, your child will anticipate what comes next and may start to fill in words or gestures. This builds both communication and confidence.

Use Visual Supports

Visuals like picture cards or simple drawings can help your child understand and request activities. For example, you might have a small card with a picture of a swing. When your child hands it to you or points to it, you know they want to go outside. This is a powerful early form of communication that can be faded as verbal skills grow.

How ABA Therapy Supports Play-Based Communication

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a scientifically proven approach that uses positive reinforcement to teach new skills. In play-based ABA, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) designs a program that breaks down communication goals into small, achievable steps. For example, if your child is learning to request, the therapist might start by reinforcing any vocalization, then shape it into a specific word like "more" or "bubble."

At Liftoff ABA, we provide in-home therapy across New Jersey, meaning we work in the environment where your child feels most comfortable. Our BCBAs create play-based plans that align with your family's daily routines and preferences. We accept most major insurance plans, including NJ Medicaid (NJ FamilyCare), and we verify benefits for free. Most families start within weeks-no waitlists.

New Jersey Resources for Families

New Jersey offers strong support for families of children with autism. The New Jersey Early Intervention System (NJEIS) provides services for children from birth to age three, including speech therapy and ABA. For children three and older, the state's autism insurance mandate requires many health plans to cover ABA therapy. Additionally, NJ Medicaid/NJ FamilyCare covers ABA for eligible families.

If your child is already receiving services through PerformCare or a county special-services school district, play-based strategies can be integrated into their existing plan. Talk to your BCBA or service coordinator about how to incorporate communication goals into play at home.

Getting Started: Simple Steps for Today

You don't need special toys or training to start using play to boost communication. Begin with these three steps:

• Observe: Watch your child for five minutes during free play. What do they gravitate toward? What makes them smile? This is your starting point.
• Join: Sit on the floor and mirror their actions. If they are stacking blocks, hand them a block. If they are spinning a wheel, spin it too. Comment simply: "You spin."
• Wait: After you join, pause and give your child a chance to initiate. Even a look or a sound is a communication attempt. Respond warmly to encourage more.

Remember, the goal is connection, not perfection. Every small interaction builds a foundation for stronger communication. If you'd like professional guidance, Liftoff ABA is here to help New Jersey families with no waitlists and in-home, BCBA-led therapy. Call us at (973) 566-3180 to learn more.

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