For many families, seeing their child play with others might feel like an ordinary milestone, but for some, it’s a significant challenge. Children who struggle to connect, share toys, or initiate play with peers may need extra support to build these essential skills. Occupational therapy (OT) can be pivotal in helping children develop social play abilities, particularly when early signs of developmental challenges, like autism, have an impact on their interactions. Early intervention in OT can make families feel proactive in supporting their child’s development. Play skills are important because children learn through play.
Building Play Skills through Occupational Therapy
When a child finds it hard to play with others, an occupational therapist can help them learn key social skills in a safe, low-pressure environment. For example, one of our occupational therapists, Sara, shared her experience working with a young child at a daycare centre. Initially, this child would shy away from other kids and become defensive if anyone tried to share his toys. After a few months of focused sessions, his play skills blossomed. He started waiting his turn, sharing toys, and initiating play with other children through body language. These are just a few examples of the many play skills that can be developed through occupational therapy.
The Role of a Safe, Supportive Space
The progress Sara saw highlights an essential part of occupational therapy. Instead of placing a child in a busy setting from the outset, therapists often create a calming environment where they can practice new skills without the stress of social demands. This approach allows children to gain confidence, which they then bring into group settings, such as daycare or playgrounds, where they gradually apply what they’ve learned in therapy.
How OT and Speech Therapy Work Together
Children with developmental challenges often need support across multiple areas. OT focuses on practical, task-based skills, while speech therapy might work on verbal communication. The two therapies complement each other for children like Sara’s client, whose verbal skills were limited. The process involves the speech therapist focusing on enhancing communication while the occupational therapist, in this case, Sarah, concentrates on building the child’s play and attention skills. They created a holistic approach to help the child develop meaningful connections.
Helping Families Access Support
Accessing services in regional areas can sometimes be challenging. Our team recently advocated for a family with multiple children with autism, helping them secure much-needed support. This assistance involved liaising with schools, healthcare providers, and community organisations and helped the family access resources that enabled the child to receive additional support at home and school. This story underscores the importance of both direct therapy and assisting families in understanding and accessing available resources.
A Lifelong Impact
For families concerned about their child’s ability to play with others, occupational therapy offers a structured way to build these skills. It’s about teaching children to share or take turns and fostering meaningful social connections. With dedicated support, children can develop the confidence to explore the world of play and interaction, and families can see positive changes that last a lifetime, bringing a sense of empowerment and encouragement.
Therapy Circles Occupational Therapy can transform families, providing a pathway for children to enjoy play and connect with those around them. For any family seeking guidance, help is always available to support your child’s development. Please reach out to us.
