Course cover for Autism and Play child care training

how to play with an autistic child | training for early childhood educators

Autism and Play: Understand and Support Different Play Styles

You have a child whose play includes lining up toys, watching objects spin, or repeating the same play routine over and over. You're wondering whether to join in, redirect it, or let it continue.
Autistic children often play differently than their peers, but many educators were never taught what autistic play actually looks like or how to use play as an opportunity for connection and communication.
In this self-paced video training taught by a speech language pathologist, you’ll learn:
  1. Different ways many autistic children like to play
  2. How to support and expand play without controlling, redirecting, or taking over
  3. Simple language strategies you can use during play to encourage communication development

Better understand autistic play, respond with confidence, and support communication throughout the day.
ResourceS

Includes a downloadable handbook filled with tools you can reference long after the training ends

Inside this 49 page digital handbook you'll find:
  • A side-by-side "What To Do / What To Avoid" guide for supporting play with autistic children
  • Toy suggestions based on the type of play an autistic child loves and ready-to-use language models for each play activity
  • A parent conversation script for discussing autistic play with families in a supportive way without the jargon, plus suggested books too!
  • Bonus: A professional directory you can use to refer families to Early Intervention, Child Find, and additional support resources
Training outcomes

By the end of this 3 hour | 0.3 CEU training, participants will be able to:

  • Identify the positive impact play has on development 
  • Identify how to play with autistic children that fosters positive interactions and development
  • List the criteria for a supportive language learning environment during play

See what early childhood educators are saying

"Solid information I can use today.

It helped me better understand the autistic children in my group and taught me how to better work with them"
"Clear and concise ideas and nothing too difficult and it made sense.

It helped me to take better care of the two autistic children I have in my care”
"I liked how Neuro affirming this is!

I learned a lot of great information regarding how to play and support children with different learning abilities."

Play looks different for every child and that's ok!

94 Different Play Based Activities
Toys, games, activities, and book suggestions for each type of play so you meet every child's needs!
Leave Knowing Exactly What To Do
Video examples of language strategies you can use when playing with an autistic child.
Learn From A Speech Therapist
The idea of "right ways to play" is outdated.  Learn neurodiversity affirming approaches.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Meet Your Trainer

Hi, I'm Kelly
A licensed Speech Language Pathologist, Early Intervention Specialist, Child Care Trainer, and Former Family Child Care Owner

I work alongside teachers every day caring for children with developmental delays, feeding challenges, speech and language disorders, and more.

I kept hearing the same thing: "Our trainings don't teach us this." So I created trainings that do! 

No fluff. Just practical strategies designed to fit naturally into everyday routines with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers
Speech-language pathologist working on professional development resources for early childhood educators
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