4 Tips for Including Children on the Autism Spectrum on Playdates

April is Autism Awareness Month, a month in which we take the time to promote inclusion and acceptance of all those who are neurodiverse. For children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), that means being included in playdates and other childhood social interactions.

Setting up a playdate between a child on the autism spectrum and a neurotypical child  will have immense benefits for all involved. For the child with ASD, this is a great opportunity to practice communication skills, social skills, and play skills in a safe environment. For the other child, it teaches compassion, acceptance, and the enhanced ability to connect on common interests.

Of course, for both parties, setting up a playdate may be intimidating. Use these 4 tips to make the time go more smoothly, and remember, no playdate between any children is ever perfect.

Children love routine and to know exactly what’s going to happen. Prior to the playdate, review any planned activities and even spend time practicing them. Explain what you know about the other child, perhaps any interests or any potential difficulties (i.e. taking turns, conversing). Discuss strategies that might promote play with the other child.

For a child on the autism spectrum, role playing possible scenarios will help communication skills during the playdate. In addition, social stories and visual schedules are often beneficial.

Just like adults, finding a common interest promotes a stronger and easier bond. With the other parent, discuss any shared interests. Then, plan an activity both children will enjoy based on that interest. Organized and structured activities will enable more communication and build social skills, while also making play more accessible for both children.

As parents, we often overestimate how long children will feel comfortable in one location or doing one activity. If this is a first playdate between two children, set a maximum time of 30 minutes to an hour. As the relationship builds, you will be able to add time. You want the playdate to be long enough to allow for some bonding, but short enough to end on a positive note where neither child ends up overstimulated or overwhelmed.