Play is more than just fun, it’s how children learn, connect, and grow. For families of children with autism, creating inclusive playtime that strengthens sibling bonds can be both rewarding and challenging. With the right strategies and support, play can become a bridge that fosters understanding, empathy, and joyful connection between siblings.
Why Inclusive Playtime Matters
Siblings often share a unique and lifelong bond. However, when one child has autism, differences in communication styles, sensory preferences, and social interaction can sometimes create barriers to connection. Inclusive play provides a valuable opportunity to overcome those barriers and promote mutual understanding.
Inclusive playtime helps:
- Encourage social interaction and communication
- Teach important skills through shared experiences
- Build empathy and patience in typically developing siblings
- Foster confidence and joy in children with autism
Using ABA Therapy to Support Play
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA therapy) offers evidence-based techniques that can make playtime more meaningful for all children involved. ABA services focus on teaching functional skills and reducing challenging behaviors, which can make shared activities more enjoyable and successful.
Benefits of using ABA strategies during playtime include:
- Improved social skills: Through modeling, prompting, and reinforcement, children with autism learn how to take turns, share, and initiate play.
- Enhanced communication: ABA techniques encourage verbal and nonverbal communication, helping siblings better understand and respond to each other.
- Customized play plans: ABA professionals can design play scenarios tailored to your child’s interests and developmental level, creating more natural opportunities for connection.
Practical Tips for Inclusive Play
Here are some therapist-approved strategies to promote inclusive and engaging sibling play:
- Choose Activities Everyone Enjoys
Select games or toys that cater to both siblings’ interests. Building blocks, water play, music, and sensory bins can offer low-pressure, high-reward interaction.
- Create a Routine
Scheduled playtime supported by visual cues or social stories can help children with autism know what to expect, making them more willing and ready to engage.
- Use Visual Supports
Picture schedules, choice boards, and token systems — tools often used in autism behavior support — can help make activities clearer and reduce frustration.
- Teach and Practice Turn-Taking
Siblings can take turns with the help of a timer or countdown. ABA therapy techniques such as positive reinforcement can encourage this skill over time.
- Celebrate Successes Together
Whether it’s a shared smile or a cooperative game, reinforce positive moments with praise, high-fives, or small rewards.
The Role of ABA Services in Family Life
Families who access professional ABA services often find they gain more than just therapeutic benefits for the child with autism. ABA therapists can coach parents and siblings on how to engage in meaningful play, problem-solve around challenges, and create a more harmonious home environment.
With the support of trained professionals, inclusive play can become an empowering experience for every family member — promoting growth, connection, and joy.
Inclusive playtime isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. Whether your family is just beginning its autism journey or has been navigating this path for years, integrating strategies from ABA therapy and autism behavior support can create stronger, happier relationships between siblings.
If you are considering autism behavior support for your child, our dedicated team is always available to address any inquiries about ABA therapy. Contact us at 855-444-5664 with any questions. Our team is here to help walk you through the autism treatment journey, every step of the way!
Checkout our Blog page for more informative resources and sensory play ideas like How Parents Can Collaborate with Their Child’s School for ABA Therapy, ABA Techniques to Enhance Social Skills in School for Children with Autism, and Alphabet Sensory Bin.
