About This Lesson
Play and social communication are deeply connected. Through play, students learn how to initiate interactions, recognize social cues, build relationships, share experiences, and develop confidence in connecting with others. For autistic and neurodivergent learners, explicit instruction and structured opportunities to practice these skills can make social situations more predictable, meaningful, and enjoyable.
The Play & Social Communication Toolkit combines autism-friendly activities that help students explore their play identity, develop communication skills, recognize play signals, and practice positive social interactions. Through role-play, self-reflection, and strengths-based activities, students learn that play is not only fun—it is an important pathway to belonging, wellbeing, and connection.
Here's what you'll get
- My Play Match Activity
- Role-Play Play Signals Activity
- My Permission to Play Plan
- Who Am I in Play? Play Personality Activity
- Teacher implementation suggestions
- Autism-friendly visual supports
- Access to additional wellbeing resources and lesson plans
Why you'll love this activity bundle
- Supports social communication and relationship-building
- Helps students identify their unique play preferences and strengths
- Provides structured opportunities to practice conversation skills
- Encourages self-awareness and self-advocacy
- Designed with autism-friendly learning principles in mind
- Flexible for individual, small group, and classroom instruction
Ways to use
- Social skills groups
- SEL and relationship skills lessons
- Counseling and speech-language sessions
- Autism support classrooms
- IEP and transition planning activities
- Community-building and peer connection activities
- Family discussions about strengths and interests
- Summer learning and extended school year programs
Science of Permission to Play:
The science is clear: play is biologically essential. Neuroscientists have identified dedicated brain systems for play in mammals, showing that play supports learning, creativity, emotional regulation, and social connection.
Across the lifespan, play helps us explore ideas, solve problems, build identity, and connect with others. Children use play to make sense of their experiences and develop flexible thinking skills. Adolescents and adults who engage in play report greater joy, stronger relationships, and higher life satisfaction. For older adults, play supports social connection, mobility, and cognitive health.
Play is also deeply inclusive. For autistic individuals and other neurodivergent learners, honoring diverse play styles can reduce anxiety, support regulation, and foster a sense of belonging. When play is voluntary, joyful, and self-directed, it becomes one of the most accessible tools for wellbeing.
Benefits
Regular, meaningful play can help students, families, and educators:
- Improve emotional regulation and stress management
- Increase engagement, motivation, and focus
- Strengthen relationships and social connection
- Support creativity, curiosity, and flexible thinking
- Foster inclusion by honoring diverse play styles
- Boost overall wellbeing and life satisfaction
Learn more about the science of play.
Looking for more Permission to Play Resources?
- Explore the free Permission to Play Unit Study, which includes teaching slides, additional worksheets and activities, and even IEP and BIP recommendations tailored specifically to students with autism.
Bonus access to full lesson plans and unit studies on the skills of happiness at our Skill Center.
Proof Positive’s resources are and will always be free. Be well!
