Why is play considered essential for learning among students with ASD?

Play is considered essential for learning among students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) because it promotes social interaction and communication skills, which are often areas of difficulty for these individuals. Through play, children have opportunities to engage with peers, share experiences, and practice conversational skills in a natural setting.

Engaging in play can help students with ASD develop important social cues and norms, such as taking turns, understanding emotions, and responding to others. This kind of interaction is crucial for enhancing their ability to relate to peers, as well as improving their overall social competence.

Moreover, play can act as an engaging and motivating context for learning. It can provide a safe space for experimentation with language and social dynamics, allowing students to practice new skills without the pressure of formal academic settings.

While competition, minimizing academic pressure, and providing alternatives to structured learning can have their benefits, they do not directly address the primary value that play holds in fostering the social and communicative abilities that are critically important for students with ASD.