Published by Breakthrough ABA
For children, play is more than just fun—it’s how they explore the world, build relationships, and learn new skills. At Breakthrough ABA, we believe therapy should feel the same way. That’s why play-based techniques are at the heart of many of our ABA therapy sessions.
Especially for young children with autism, play is one of the most effective ways to teach communication, social interaction, and daily living skills. In this blog, we’ll explore how Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) uses play to make learning engaging, motivating, and meaningful.
🧠 Why Play Matters in ABA
Children on the autism spectrum may struggle with social play, such as turn-taking, imaginative role-play, or joint attention. They might prefer playing alone or repeating the same actions with a toy. ABA therapy helps expand those skills in a natural, enjoyable way—without forcing children to play a certain way.
Play-based ABA:
- Builds trust and rapport
- Creates motivation to participate
- Embeds skill-building in natural routines
- Encourages creativity and social interaction
- Helps with generalization (using skills in real-life settings)
In short, it turns therapy into something your child wants to do.
🧩 What Is Play-Based ABA Therapy?
Play-based ABA therapy blends evidence-based strategies with interactive, child-led activities. The goal is to teach through fun—not rigid instruction.
Some core components include.
🎭 Natural Environment Teaching (NET)
Skills are taught during naturally occurring play situations rather than in a structured, table-top format.
Example: A therapist teaches colors while building blocks or practices requesting by offering favorite toys during play.
👩👧 Child-Led Sessions
Instead of directing every activity, the therapist follows the child’s lead, using their interests to guide the session.
Example: If a child is fascinated by dinosaurs, the therapist uses dino figures to model conversation or turn-taking.
🧸 Modeling and Imitation
Therapists model actions or play patterns, encouraging children to imitate and engage.
Example: Demonstrating how to roll a ball or “feed” a toy animal, and waiting for the child to try.
📚 Structured Play Activities
Games and toys are carefully selected to target specific goals like sharing, joint attention, or flexible thinking.
Example: A matching game can support attention, language, and following instructions.
🎯 Common Goals Addressed Through Play
| Skill Area | Examples in Play-Based ABA |
| Communication | Requesting toys, labeling actions, making choices |
| Social interaction | Turn-taking, initiating play, following peers’ lead |
| Emotional regulation | Practicing coping strategies during game-based scenarios |
| Motor skills | Building with blocks, drawing, gross motor movement |
| Problem-solving | Completing puzzles, navigating play challenges |
These skills can later be applied to real-world settings like Houston-area preschools, family outings, or group activities at community centers.
🌟 What It Looks Like in a Session
In a typical Breakthrough ABA play-based session, you might see:
- A therapist playing pretend tea party while modeling polite greetings
- A child practicing asking for “more bubbles” during a sensory break
- Two peers building a train track together while learning to take turns
- A therapist gently redirecting a tantrum into a play-based coping strategy
What you won’t see is harsh correction or forced compliance. Instead, we focus on motivation, encouragement, and natural engagement.
🏠 Bringing Play-Based ABA Into the Home
Parents are a vital part of the play process! Here’s how you can support play-based learning at home:
- Join your child in their play without taking over
- Narrate and expand: “You’re feeding the doll! Now she’s sleepy—let’s tuck her in.”
- Use your child’s interests (trains, animals, water play) as a learning tool
- Practice skills during everyday moments, like bath time or snack time
- Consult your ABA team for ideas and goals to target at home
Many Houston-area families enjoy practicing these techniques at local parks, libraries, and sensory-friendly play spaces like We Rock the Spectrum or the Children’s Museum Houston.
💬 Final Thoughts
Play is powerful—and when paired with ABA therapy, it becomes an effective tool for children with autism. At Breakthrough ABA, we use play-based strategies to help kids grow with joy, confidence, and connection.
If you’re looking for an approach that blends evidence-based therapy with your child’s natural curiosity, we’re here to help—right here in the Greater Houston area.