How does playtime in structured settings support students with ASD?

Playtime in structured settings supports students with ASD by encouraging social interaction and communication skills. Structured play provides an organized environment where children can engage in activities with peers, facilitating opportunities for dialogue, collaboration, and the development of social norms. Such interactions can help children practice turn-taking, sharing, and understanding nonverbal cues, which are often areas of challenge for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Additionally, structured settings often incorporate specific goals or frameworks that guide interactions, making it easier for students to understand what is expected of them in social situations and improving their ability to communicate effectively. This type of environment reduces ambiguity, thus supporting students in navigating social complexities more successfully than in unstructured play settings.

In contrast, while increasing physical activity, reducing stress, and allowing free exploration are valuable aspects of play, they do not specifically address the fundamental need for social skills development in children with ASD that structured playtime inherently provides.