Playing Safely on the Spectrum

Spending time creating an imaginary world in a doll house, choreographing battles between action figures or driving remote control cars make playtime one of the best things about being a kid. Through play, children have the opportunity to dream up new adventures, learn valuable lessons and build skills. But, it is also important to ensure that preventable injuries don’t spoil the fun.

Research shows that children with cognitive, emotional or social limitations, including those with autism, are often more prone to accidental injuries. To help ensure kids’ well-being while encouraging the benefits of play, basic rules about how to play safely should be clearly communicated.

With guidance from leading safety organizations and Autism Speaks, the following Safe Play Tips are relevant for children with autism to help maximize playtime fun and minimize the risk of accidents. Tips include:

• Avoid Trigger Toys: Opt for toys that have volume control for children who are adversely affected by loud noises.
• Read Labels for Ability: Choose toys that correspond with a child’s learning level rather than merely matching a toy with his/her actual age.
• Never Leave a Child Unsupervised: It is especially critical that a child with special needs is properly supervised by an adult or trusted caregiver at all times.

Click here for the full list of tips to promote safe play for children on the spectrum.