Neurodiversity & Play

How can we support children with neurodiversity and special needs through play? 

Play is precious for all children, they learn and develop through their play opportunities and experiences, and those with neurodiversity are no different!  

Playtime can help them grow, learn and develop in fun and engaging way. For example, a child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may struggle to play socially because their symptoms, such as having difficulty waiting their turn, can sometimes put other children off playing with them. However, playing with some adult support can help them build relationships with other children. 

Children with hearing or visual impairment can focus on their other senses to help them navigate and explore the world. Play can also exercise their muscles and improve coordination if they have a mobility impairment. 

However, having special needs or being neurodiverse can often present barriers, making it difficult for them to enjoy the experience fully. 

So what can we do to support and enhance our children's play opportunities?  

Small changes can make a huge difference.  

Understanding our children's needs and challenges is essential when planning and adapting the environment and play opportunities. Stepping back and observing your little one will enhance your knowledge of their likes, dislikes and what they can and cannot do. 

Allowing you to modify and accommodate the play environment to match your child's needs. Here are some examples: 

• Accessibility: Adapt the toys and equipment: Use toys suitable for your child's needs. For instance, items that are easy to grip or large enough to hold and play with. 

• Sensory-friendly space: Create a sensory-friendly space at home. This can include low light, soft music, comfortable seating, and a calming colour scheme. Reduce clutter and other stimuli that can be overstimulating for children with sensory issues. 

• Visual aids: Provide visual aids such as checklists, schedules, and picture symbols to help children understand daily routines and expectations. 

• Accommodations: Accommodate individual needs by providing assistive devices like headphones or weighted comfort items. Install handrails and other safety devices where necessary. 

• Sensory play: Provide opportunities for sensory play that can help develop fine motor skills, social skills, and communication. Examples include finger paints, kinetic sand, and play dough. 

• Clear communication: Communicate with children in clear, simple language, using visual aids and other communication tools when necessary. 

• Positive reinforcement: Use positive reinforcement, such as praise and rewards, to help reinforce positive behaviour. This can help children feel confident and motivated to succeed. 

It's important to focus on what your child can do rather than what they can't. For example, children with ASD may have challenges being social and imaginative in their play. So, providing them with baskets with repeated toys such as stones, animals, or gems can engage their attention and interest.

Children with ADHD may struggle to sit still, concentrate on tasks, and follow instructions. Physical activities that allow them to express themselves and exert some energy can be highly beneficial. 

Sensory Play.

Children learn about the world through their senses; exploring and discovering is essential to their play experience. 

Stimulating senses strengthens brain connections, which are crucial for all types of learning. In addition, sensory activities are great for developing physical skills and strengthening small muscles in their hands and fingers. 

Some children with neurodiversity and special needs may have difficulties understanding and processing language, so sensory play ideas that use their senses (and don't require language or comprehension) can be ideal. 

Hypersensitivity and Sensory overload. 

Remember to adapt to your child's needs so they can get the most out of their play experience. For example, if they are hypersensitive, introduce new materials carefully, and be aware of those they do not like. If your child has a mobility impairment, ensure the activity table is accessible and easy to reach. 

• Hypersensitive children may struggle with sensory overload during sensory play, so it’s important to take play breaks now and then - e.g. snack, rest. 

• It is important to provide a safe and supportive environment. 

• If your child has limited mobility, focus on what they can do rather than what they can't 

• These are all activities children with or without SEND can join in and enjoy. 

• Using less overwhelming materials such as playdough and adding certain resources such as sensory cushions, chewy necklaces, sensory tents, sensory bottles (glitter, oil and water) or poppet toys can support them and encourage concentration.  

Here are some examples of activities to try:

• Turn your pots and pans into a drum kit, complete with wooden spoons as the sticks. 

• Fly to space in an old cardboard box, pop old bubble wrap or even rip up junk paper from your paper recycling into shapes, these are simple ways to entertain youngsters whilst supporting physical skills. 

These high-energy activities are great for children with ADHD who struggle to sit still and concentrate. If your child has limited mobility, focus on what they can do rather than what they can't. 

• For example, if they can blow with their mouth, get them to practise blowing bubbles or ping-pong balls across a tabletop. Support them by modelling; modelling is vital; your little one loves watching you, and they will use your gestures, actions, movements and sounds as a cue to what to do next. 

Sensory Bottles.

Plastic bottles are a great reusable resource.

• Get your little one to fill them with pasta, beads or buttons to make shakers. 

• Filling them with water and glitter creates a visually stimulating bottle (make sure the lid is sealed tightly!). Children love watching the glitter floating in the water and oil; it promotes a sense of calmness as they submerge in the experience. 

Water and sand.

This sensory activity is another great way for your little one to experience different textures.  

• Get a bucket of water or sand for them to play with.  

• Add a bubble bath to the water for extra sensations, and include their favourite toys for double the fun. 

Art.

Art is a great gateway to play for children with neurodiversity and special needs because it is an open activity, meaning there are no right or wrong answers when creating art. Art activities also allow children to express themselves, their feelings and their emotions.

Art and messy play involves exploring different textures, colours and shapes through hands-on experiences. 

• Make a texture book. 

• Face painting, mural painting, hand print painting, making collages or sticking some blank paper on a wall and turning it into a 'graffiti wall'. 

• Often children with neurodiversity enjoy playing with shiny objects; to extend their play, why not create a "sticky table" using sticky back paper, so they can stick as many shiny sequins as they wish, creating a colourful and shiny collage? In addition, if they feel they don't want the sequins to stay on the paper, it is easy to remove them. 

• For less messy art, try water painting on the pavement or a brick wall outside. 

Participating in activities like this can improve social skills, including assertion and supports hyperactivity and problem behaviours.