Autism was the type of illness that resulted in many children being shunned away from society. Their differences made them unsuitable for the stereotypical social circles and therefore would either be left out or undervalued as people were not aware of how to connect with kids with autism.

However, with developments in the education and medical fields, autism has become something that not only quite common but also treatable. While the illnesses itself can never be fully eradicated as it is a result of a lack in brain development, kids are taught to live a near normal life.

Occupational therapy and play therapy are too common ways to not only diagnose early signs of autism but also tackle them at the inception. Play therapy is a form of therapy that helps children be more involved with their surroundings and even overcome their own limitations. Unlike normal kids, children with autism may usually play alone or find it difficult to progress in an activity. The therapy deals with these issues. Here are some advantages of it.

Helps develop social skills

The thought pattern of those with a fully developed brain and cognitive skills are quite different to those with autism. They are unable to learn certain social behaviours and may sometimes make others feels uncomfortable. This is usually not intentional but due to the fact that they are unable to distinguish between appropriate types of behaviour.

During play-based autism therapy kids can be placed in social situations and taught how to change their behaviour accordingly. This can be through role plays or using different objects as replacements for real life scenarios. This way they are more accustomed to behaviour and can mingle as well as a normal child can.

Develop fine motor skills

Kids with autism find it difficult to carry out tasks that require fine detail. Whether this is building Legos, using scissors or even hammering a nail into a wall. Through play therapy they are able to practice brain and hand coordination such as cutting in a straight line or colouring within the lines.

This training should ideally be carried out at an early stage to make sure they have sufficient skills and practice. This could also mean helping them improve their handwriting as these are social skills that are required. The more these are practiced the better kids become at it making them feel confident.

Helps develop relationships

Quite often parents with autistic kids may find relating to their child difficult in the initial stages. This may sometimes cause a lack in their relationship and not only frustrate the child but also the parents too. The process to raising an autistic child is not easy for a parent and play therapy can help aid this relationship.

Through playing parents may get to know their child and find ways in which to relate to them. Here both child and parent can fall into a pattern on how to interact with each other helping to develop their relationship.