Understanding Play Development in Very Young Children with Autism

In this video Laura Mize explains how play skills often differ in very young children with autism and highlights key red flags professionals and caregivers should watch for. She notes that many autistic toddlers show delayed play development, interacting with toys much as infants do—mouthing, dropping, and holding toys rather than using them for their intended functions. Some children show limited interest in toys, brief attention spans, and a preference for objects over people. Repetitive or unusual toy use (like spinning wheels or lining up parts) and a lack of pretend play are also common. Mize emphasizes that poor play skills result in lost opportunities for language and social learning, and that strengthening play can support broader communication gains. Her review underscores the importance of prioritizing play intervention early to improve language and interaction outcomes in children with ASD.