If you have an autistic child, it’s very likely that one of the first things that teachers and clinicians talk to you about is pretend play.
Especially high-functioning autism pretend play. It seems that educators really stick with this idea. Why is that? Does it matter if your autistic child can do pretend play?
I have a separate post on pretend play and autism.
Playing Pretend
So why does it matter if a child does not engage in pretend play?
Pretend play is crucial for children’s development in several ways:
- Cognitive Development: Pretend play helps children develop cognitive skills such as problem-solving, decision-making, and creative thinking. They must use their imagination to create scenarios and come up with solutions within the context of their play.
- Language Development: Pretend play encourages language development as children engage in dialogue, negotiate roles, and express their thoughts and feelings. They often invent stories and narratives, which require them to use and understand language in meaningful ways.
- Social Development: Pretend play provides opportunities for children to practice social skills such as cooperation, empathy, and perspective-taking. They learn to take on different roles, understand others’ perspectives, and collaborate with peers to create and enact scenarios.
- Emotional Development: Pretend play allows children to explore and express their emotions in a safe and controlled environment. They can act out different feelings and learn to regulate their emotions as they navigate various scenarios and interactions.
Here are some pretend play ideas that can be used for any age.
With disabled kids, I’m not a fan of attaching ages to things because skills and abilities vary.
Pretend Play Ideas PDF
With these engaging pretend play activities, children can explore various roles and environments, fostering empathy and understanding of the world around them.
Sure, you can use anything around the house or toys, but if you’re looking for something different and free, here you go.
Pretend play does not have to be expensive or require any purchases at all!
Camping Pretend Play
Dental Pretend Play
Eye Doctor Pretend Play
Fire Station Pretend Play
Flower Shop Pretend Play
Garden Pretend Play
You can always combine this with a sensory activity that includes dirt and seeds. Get the printable
Laundry Pretend Play
What a great way to introduce a child to helping with laundry. This makes great language activities and perfect for life skills too. Laundry PDFs
Library Pretend Play
Follow up this pretend play activity with a trip to the library
Pharmacy Pretend Play
Good grief, I am at the pharmacy all the time!
Post Office
I love that we can walk to our post office. Not everyone can do that. My boys loved putting letters in the slot when they were little.
School Pretend Play
Pretend Teacher and School Play PDF
Who doesn’t love “playing school?” A classic!
Vet Pretend Play
Better to have pretend animals than real ones, sometimes.
X-ray Pretend Play
I love this one, because lying still or standing still for an x-ray is a real challenge for us.
Zoo Pretend Play
Perfect pre and post play activity for a trip to the zoo:
