Welcome to Autistic Play Patterns

Autistic play patterns describe the many meaningful ways autistic children may explore, engage with, and make sense of the world through play. Rather than viewing play through a single developmental pathway, this work recognises that autistic play is often rich, intentional, and deeply communicative, even when it looks different from expected or typical forms of play.

These patterns move away from deficit-based interpretations of play and instead offer a strengths-led, neurodiversity-affirming lens. 

Autistic Play Patterns are not stages, milestones, or skills to be taught or progressed through. Children may move between patterns, explore several at once, or return to the same pattern over time. The focus is not on changing how a child plays, but on understanding, valuing, and supporting play as it naturally unfolds.

You can read more about Autistic Play Patterns by accessing our Autistic Play Guidance below: