How ESDM Builds Pretend Play Skills in Children with Autism
It’s easy to overlook the value of pretend play, especially when a child has developmental delays. Often, the focus is on language and cognitive skills. However, pretend play is a vital part of a child’s overall development. In the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), play is at the core of all learning activities. As a child progresses through their ESDM program, this play becomes an important focus. Let’s explore why pretend play matters and how the ESDM encourages this crucial skill, especially for children with autism.
What Is Pretend Play?
Pretend play, also known as imaginative play or make-believe play, allows children to use their imagination to create stories and act out scenarios. They may pretend to be superheroes, chefs, doctors, or even animals. Using toys, props, or sometimes just their imagination, children build entire worlds of make-believe. For example, a child might use a block as a phone or pretend a stick is a magic wand.
This play is not only fun for kids but also plays a significant role in their development, especially in key areas like social, cognitive, and emotional growth.
How Does Pretend Play Develop?
The ability develops in stages as children grow and their thinking becomes more complex. Here’s how it typically progresses:
Infancy (0-1 Year)
In the first year of life, babies are mainly focused on exploring the world through their senses—seeing, touching, tasting, and hearing. While they don’t engage in pretend play yet, simple forms of play like peek-a-boo or pat-a-cake lay the foundation for more imaginative play later on.
Toddlerhood (1-3 Years)
By the age of one, children begin to engage in basic pretend play. For instance, they might pretend to talk on a toy phone or feed a doll. This is the beginning of symbolic play, where one object stands in for another. By age two or three, this play becomes more complex. They start creating short sequences, like pretending to cook a meal, eat it, and wash the dishes.
Preschool Age (3-5 Years)
During the preschool years, pretend play becomes even more elaborate. Children create detailed stories and scenarios, often involving multiple steps and characters. They might set up a pretend store, school, or hospital and take on various roles like doctor, teacher, or cashier. They also begin to play with others, learning to take turns and collaborate in their make-believe worlds.
School Age (5+ Years)
As children grow older, it becomes more sophisticated. They start incorporating more rules and structure into their play. For example, they might create complex games with detailed storylines or use board games and role-playing video games to support their imaginative activities.
Why Is It Important?
This type of play offers numerous benefits for a child’s overall development. In ESDM, this type of play is crucial for encouraging key skills in children with autism. Here are some of the core benefits:
1. Language Development
When children engage in pretend play, they naturally develop their speech and language skills. Creating stories and acting out roles encourages them to use new words and sentences. They also practice communicating with others, asking questions, and explaining their ideas. ESDM incorporates language-rich play to help children with autism expand their vocabulary and improve their communication skills.
2. Social Skills
Playing with others during pretend play teaches children essential social skills. They learn to take turns, share, and negotiate roles. Pretend play also helps children with autism understand different perspectives by imagining how others feel. ESDM therapists use play-based activities to support the development of these social skills in children who may find interactions challenging.
3. Cognitive Skills
Pretend play boosts cognitive development by encouraging creativity, problem-solving, and planning. Children think critically about how to create their stories, solve problems within their play scenarios, and use their imagination to explore new ideas. The ESDM approach builds on these cognitive benefits, using play to encourage flexible thinking and creativity in children with autism.
4. Emotional Regulation
Pretend play allows children to explore their emotions in a safe environment. They can act out different feelings and situations, helping them understand and manage their emotions. For instance, a child might pretend to be angry or scared during play and then work through these feelings. ESDM therapists use pretend play to help children with autism express and regulate their emotions more effectively.
5. Physical Development
Many pretend play activities, such as building forts, dressing up, or pretending to be a firefighter, help develop fine and gross motor skills. Children practice coordination, balance, and physical strength through these fun activities. In ESDM, therapists ensure that physical development is integrated into play, promoting motor skills alongside social and emotional growth.
Encouraging Pretend Play at Home
Parents and caregivers play a vital role in encouraging pretend play. Here are some ways to support your child’s imaginative play:
1. Provide Props and Toys
Offer a range of toys and props that encourage pretend play. These don’t need to be expensive—simple items like blocks, dolls, kitchen sets, and dress-up clothes can spark creativity. Everyday household items, such as pots, pans, and old clothes, can also be used in make-believe play.
2. Create a Play Space
Set up a designated area for pretend play. This could be a corner of a room with a table and chairs or an area with cushions and blankets for building forts. Having a dedicated space encourages children to dive into their imaginative worlds.
3. Join in the Play
Engage in pretend play with your child. Follow their lead and participate in their stories and scenarios. This strengthens your bond and encourages them to expand their play further.
4. Encourage Storytelling
Ask your child to describe their pretend play scenarios. Questions like “What happens next?” or “Why is your character feeling that way?” can deepen their imaginative play and enhance language development.
5. Be Supportive
Allow your child the freedom to explore their imagination. Offer positive reinforcement for their creativity and play without imposing too many rules or restrictions.
ESDM and the Role of Pretend Play
In the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), pretend play is not just a fun activity—it’s a key component of therapy. As a play-based, child-led therapy, ESDM follows the child’s interests and uses play to teach essential skills. This includes working towards pretend play, especially as children with autism often need extra support in developing these skills.
Through pretend play, Certified ESDM therapists focus on improving communication, social interactions, and cognitive abilities. They follow the child’s lead and introduce teaching moments naturally, allowing the child to stay engaged and motivated during therapy.
Real-Life Success: Meet Oliver
Oliver is a 4-year-old boy with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). He started the ESDM program at OneOnOne Children’s Therapy when he was 18 months old. At that time, Oliver had limited and repetitive play skills. He was mainly interested in trains, and his play involved pushing the trains back and forth. As he progressed through the ESDM program, Oliver began to explore a variety of toys and engage in more functional play. He also started to join his cousins in pretend play when they visited. His preschool teachers reported that Oliver now participates in group pretend play, pretending to be a fireman or a doctor with his peers. While he still loves his trains, pretend play has become his favourite activity when other children are around.
We’re Here to Support You
At OneOnOne Children’s Therapy, we believe every child deserves the chance to grow and thrive. Our Bondi Junction and Mascot clinics are designed to be spaces where children can discover their strengths and reach their full potential. We specialise in the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), combining innovative therapy techniques with a supportive environment to help children with autism develop essential skills, including pretend play.
Reach Out for Support
If you’re concerned about your child’s development or want to learn more about how our ESDM program builds rich, engaging pretend play, OneOnOne Children’s Therapy is here to help.
Call our Bondi Junction or Mascot clinics at (02) 80657837 or email us. You can book a free 30-minute phone consultation to discuss how we can support your child’s unique journey with the Early Start Denver Model.
Together, we can help your child grow, play, and thrive!
