8 ABA Strategies for Stronger Play Skills

Introduction

Play is one of the first languages kids ever learn. It’s how they explore the world, make friends, express imagination, and build the foundation for social and communication skills. But for many children with autism, play doesn’t always unfold naturally. Instead of the easy, free-flowing back-and-forth you see on playgrounds, play may feel confusing, overwhelming, or simply uninteresting.

If you’re a parent, you’ve probably wondered: How can I help my child enjoy play more? How do I support social interactions without forcing them? What strategies actually work in real life — not just on paper?

This is where ABA-based play strategies come in. Not the cold, robotic version that sometimes gets misunderstood online, but the warm, child-centered approach grounded in reinforcement, modeling, connection, and gentle scaffolding. When paired with patience and creativity, ABA becomes a powerful tool for helping children build meaningful, enjoyable play skills at their own pace.

Below, we explore eight ABA strategies—not as a list of tasks, but as a deeper conversation about nurturing stronger, more confident play.

Understanding Play Through the Lens of ABA

ABA breaks play down into teachable, achievable components. Instead of assuming a child should instantly know how to pretend, share, or follow the rules of a game, ABA helps build these skills step-by-step.

It focuses on:

• encouraging natural curiosity
  
• reinforcing moments of engagement
  
• modeling new actions
  
• breaking big skills into smaller, successful experiences
  
  

The goal? To meet the child where they are and make play feel safe, doable, and fun.

Strategy 1: Modeling Play Behavior

Children often learn best by watching — and ABA uses that truth beautifully. Modeling lets you show your child how to play before expecting them to do it on their own. You become the example, the narrator, and the guide.

Sit beside your child with the same toys they have. Let them see you stack blocks, roll a car, or pretend to make soup in a toy kitchen. Keep it simple and slow. Use language they can absorb:
“Look, the car goes vroom. My turn… now your turn.”

There’s no pressure for them to copy right away. Just exposing them to possibilities builds familiarity and comfort.

Strategy 2: Parallel Play to Build Comfort

Parallel play is underrated magic. It looks simple — you and your child doing similar activities side by side — but it lays the groundwork for shared attention and future interaction.

Think of it as quiet companionship. You’re not demanding eye contact or asking questions every two seconds. You’re simply showing, through presence, that play can happen near others without pressure.

Over time, children often begin making small connections:

• handing you a toy
  
• watching what you’re doing
  
• imitating one action
  
• smiling when you join their rhythm
  
  

These small bridges eventually lead to more interactive play.

Strategy 3: Using Reinforcement to Encourage New Play Skills

Reinforcement isn’t bribery — it’s communication. It tells your child:
“That thing you just did? It mattered.”

When a child tries a new play action, engages longer than usual, or shares a moment with you, reinforcement helps strengthen that behavior. This could mean:

• verbal praise (“I love how you pushed the train!”)
  
• access to a preferred toy
  
• a short break
  
• sensory play
  
• a favorite high-five routine
  
  

Reinforcement doesn’t have to be loud or dramatic. Sometimes the gentlest form — your smile or excitement — is the most powerful.

Strategy 4: Shaping Skills Through Small, Achievable Steps

Play can feel overwhelming if you expect a child to jump straight into complex scenarios. ABA uses shaping to help children build skills gradually.

Take pretend play as an example:
Before asking a child to “play bakery,” ABA would begin with the tiniest steps:

• touching the pretend food
  
• placing items into a bowl
  
• stirring
  
• offering “cookies” to a parent
  
  

Each small success creates momentum. And as confidence grows, so does creativity.

Strategy 5: Creating Structured Play Opportunities

While spontaneous play is wonderful, structured play gives children clarity. It reduces uncertainty and provides a predictable starting point.

Structured activities may include:

• simple board games
  
• building sets with clear steps
  
• toy sets with a defined sequence
  
• turn-taking games like rolling a ball
  
  

The goal isn’t rigidity — it’s scaffolding. Once children feel secure in structure, they’re more willing to explore freely.

Strategy 6: Incorporating Child-Led Interests

One of the most influential ABA strategies for play is simply following the child’s lead. Interests are the spark plug of engagement. If a child loves:

• dinosaurs
  
• water play
  
• music
  
• spinning objects
  
• cars
  
• sensory bins
  
  

…those interests become the doorway into building skills.

A child fascinated by spinning cups might learn turn-taking by spinning together. A dinosaur lover might practice pretend play through “feeding the T-rex” or building a cave. Starting where your child already feels joy opens space for deeper learning.

Strategy 7: Using Visual Supports

Visuals help make the hidden rules of play visible. They reduce the cognitive load and help children understand what to do next without relying solely on verbal instructions.

Common visual supports include:

• play sequences (“first build, then race”)
  
• pictures showing steps in a pretend-play routine
  
• labels on bins to organize toys
  
• emotion cards for role-playing
  
  

Visuals act like quiet guides, helping children stay engaged and reducing frustration during transitions.

Strategy 8: Building Social Play Through Gentle Coaching

Social play doesn’t happen instantly. It grows through exposure, patience, and soft, consistent coaching.

Instead of putting your child in a group and hoping for the best, ABA breaks social play into understandable pieces:

• noticing another child
  
• playing near them
  
• sharing materials
  
• taking brief turns
  
• responding to simple cues
  
  

Coaching means stepping in only when needed — offering prompts, celebrating small wins, and gradually reducing support as independence grows.

It’s not about forcing social interaction but helping children feel confident enough to choose it.

Comparison Table: ABA Strategies and Their Benefits

A light, simple table (as requested) to help visualize how each strategy supports development:

FAQs About ABA and Play Skills

Why do children with autism sometimes struggle with play?

Play skills involve imagination, communication, social cues, and motor planning. These areas can develop differently for children with autism, making play feel less intuitive. ABA helps break these components into manageable, supportive steps.

Can ABA make play feel too structured or rigid?

Not when done correctly. Modern ABA emphasizes natural play, child-led activities, flexibility, and connection. The structure is simply a helpful guide — not a restriction.

How long does it take to see progress in play skills?

Every child is different. Some show improvements in weeks; others need months of steady practice. What matters is consistent, positive exposure.

Can siblings participate in ABA play strategies?

Absolutely. Sibling involvement can enrich social play, model communication, and strengthen family relationships when guided appropriately.

Does ABA replace free play?

Not at all. ABA enhances free play by helping children master the skills they need to enjoy it independently.

Conclusion

Play is more than a childhood pastime — it’s the backbone of learning, connection, and exploration. For children with autism, developing strong play skills opens the door to communication breakthroughs, social confidence, and richer everyday experiences. With ABA strategies like modeling, shaping, reinforcement, and child-led interests, parents and therapists can build a nurturing environment where play becomes joyful rather than stressful.

At Risingaboveaba.com, families find the support they need to make these moments possible. With compassionate ABA therapy rooted in respect, individuality, and evidence-based techniques, Rising Above ABA helps children grow, thrive, and discover the world through positive, empowering play.

If you’re ready to help your child build stronger play skills — not just for today, but for a lifetime — Rising Above ABA is here to guide you every step of the way.

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