Play is often a child’s favorite part of the day. In ABA therapy, structured play allows us to use that motivation to support communication, behavior, and social development.

I’ve seen children who struggled with attention become fully engaged when learning was built into their favorite activities. Those moments remind me why structured play is such a powerful approach.

Structured Play in ABA Therapy

When parents hear the word play in ABA therapy, they often picture free time or simple fun. In reality, structured play in ABA therapy is purposeful, planned, and incredibly effective. I’ve seen children learn communication, social, and daily living skills through play in ways that feel natural and motivating.

Structured play allows us to meet children where they are—on the floor, at the table, or in their favorite activity—while still working toward meaningful goals.

What structured play means in ABA therapy

Structured play is not random play. It is carefully designed to teach specific skills while still feeling enjoyable to the child. In ABA therapy for autism, play becomes a teaching tool instead of a break from learning.

During structured play, I plan:

• The skill we are targeting
• The materials we will use
• How prompts and reinforcement will be delivered
• How success will be measured

The child may feel like they are just playing. From a clinical perspective, learning is happening every step of the way.

How structured play differs from free play

Free play allows children to choose activities with little adult direction. That has value. Structured play adds intention and guidance.

In structured play:

• Activities have clear learning goals
• Adults guide interaction without taking control
• Skills are practiced repeatedly in a fun way
• Progress can be tracked and adjusted

This balance helps children stay engaged while building important developmental skills.

Why structured play is used in ABA therapy

Children learn best when they are motivated. Play naturally captures attention and reduces pressure. Structured play helps children practice new behaviors in a low-stress environment.

I often use structured play to teach:

• Communication and language skills
• Turn-taking and social interaction
• Following instructions
• Problem-solving
• Emotional regulation

Because these skills are embedded in play, children are more likely to use them outside of therapy sessions.

Supporting children with autism through play-based learning

Many children with autism learn differently. Structured play allows us to adapt learning to the child’s interests and strengths.

For example, if a child loves trains, I may use a train set to:

• Practice requesting items
• Work on waiting and turn-taking
• Teach colors, numbers, or actions
• Build joint attention

This approach keeps learning meaningful and child-centered.

Skills developed through structured play

Structured play supports a wide range of developmental goals. It is especially helpful for young children receiving early intervention for autism, but it is effective across age groups.

Communication and language development

Play creates natural opportunities for communication. Children learn to request, label, answer questions, and engage in back-and-forth interaction.

Instead of drills, language is practiced in real situations. This makes it easier for children to use those skills at home and school.

Social interaction and cooperation

Many social skills can feel abstract. Structured play makes them concrete.

Through games and shared activities, children learn:

• Taking turns
• Sharing materials
• Responding to others
• Playing cooperatively

These skills are essential for peer relationships and classroom success.

Independence and problem-solving

Structured play also encourages independence. Children learn to complete tasks, make choices, and solve small problems on their own.

Over time, prompts are reduced so children can succeed independently.

How structured play sessions are designed

Every structured play activity is based on the child’s individualized ABA treatment plan. Goals are chosen based on assessments, parent input, and developmental needs.

Before starting a session, I consider:

• What skill we are targeting
• What motivates the child
• How challenging the activity should be
• How success will be reinforced

The structure is flexible. If something isn’t working, I adjust in the moment.

Keeping play fun while maintaining structure

One concern parents often share is whether structure takes the fun out of play. In practice, the opposite is true.

When play is too confirmed, children may disengage. Structured play allows me to guide learning while following the child’s interests. Laughter, movement, and creativity are still part of the session.

Structured play at home and beyond therapy

One of the biggest benefits of structured play in ABA therapy is how easily it can be carried over into daily life. Parents don’t need special training or expensive materials to support learning at home.

Simple activities like:

• Building blocks
• Pretend play
• Board games
• Art projects

can all become opportunities to practice skills when structured thoughtfully.

Helping parents use structured play at home

I often coach parents on how to turn everyday play into learning moments. Small changes make a big difference.

This may include:

• Giving clear instructions
• Waiting for communication attempts
• Reinforcing positive behavior
• Keeping expectations realistic

When parents feel confident using these strategies, progress continues outside of therapy hours.

Why structured play supports long-term progress

Skills learned through play tend to last. Children are more likely to generalize what they learn when it is taught in natural, engaging ways.

Structured play bridges the gap between therapy and real life. It helps children use their skills with different people, in different settings, and during everyday routines.

From my experience, this approach supports not only skill development but also confidence and joy in learning.

Final thoughts on structured play in ABA therapy

Structured play is one of the most effective tools we use in ABA therapy for autism. It combines evidence-based teaching with creativity and connection. Children learn important skills while doing something they enjoy.

When learning feels fun and meaningful, children are more engaged—and progress follows.

At Achieve ABA, structured play is thoughtfully integrated into therapy programs for families across New Jersey and North Carolina. Each child receives individualized support designed to fit their needs and family life.

Ready to get started?

If you’re looking for compassionate, effective ABA therapy that uses play to support real progress, Achieve ABA is here to help. Contact us to learn more or request services today

FAQs

Sources:



• https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/structured-unstructured-play
• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9620698/
• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9850869/
• https://www.autismspeaks.org/virtual-activities-kids-autism
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1875952124000211