Play is often called the “work of childhood,” and for good reason. Through play, children learn language, build relationships, develop problem-solving skills, and regulate emotions. But for many children with autism, play does not always come naturally. They may engage in repetitive actions, avoid interaction with peers, or show little interest in toys.
That’s why ABA therapy places a strong emphasis on teaching functional play — meaningful, goal-directed play that helps children build real-world skills. Whether it's rolling a ball back and forth, pretending to feed a doll, or constructing with blocks, functional play supports cognitive, social, and communication development.
Functional play refers to using toys or objects as they are intended. This can include:
This differs from sensory or repetitive play, which may include spinning wheels, lining up toys, or fixating on one part of an object.
Functional play builds the foundation for more complex skills like pretend play, cooperation, and conversation.
Children with autism often need direct teaching to:
Without intervention, play delays can impact social development, school readiness, and the ability to engage meaningfully with others.
ABA therapists use a range of techniques to introduce and reinforce play skills:
The therapist demonstrates the play action — e.g., pushing a train on a track — while pairing it with language: “The train goes choo-choo!”
If your child doesn’t engage on their own, physical or verbal prompts are used to guide the action. Prompts are then faded as independence increases.
When your child attempts or completes a functional play action, it’s immediately followed by praise, tokens, or access to preferred activities.
Once a child can complete basic actions, new steps are added — for example, feeding a doll, then putting it to sleep, then giving it a blanket.
Kayden, age 3, only spun the wheels on toy cars. His therapist began pairing car play with songs, sound effects, and modeling. Within a month, Kayden was pushing the cars across the floor, parking them in a garage, and even requesting “more cars” with his voice.
Teaching functional play is about more than toys — it’s about helping your child connect with others, discover new interests, and build confidence through joy. With patience and the right strategies, even a simple game can become a doorway to learning.
Summer planning does not have to be one more thing you figure out alone at 11pm. Whether you are weighing ESY against private ABA, sorting out authorization timelines, or naming what your child most needs before fall, a conversation helps. Our team knows North Carolina districts, NC Medicaid Policy 8F, and how plans handle short-term programming. Book a consultation with Sunny Skies ABA and we will talk it through at your pace, with no pressure to commit.
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Planning summer? Learn how short-term ABA therapy services in North Carolina work, how ESY compares, and what funding to line up. Talk with our team.
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