Raising Kids

Unlocking Play: Nurturing Neurological Development in Children with Autism

Amanda Maliba 30 April 2024

Playing is an important part of any child’s neurological development. Whether it is structured or unstructured, when children engage in play, they activate different sensory systems, such as touch, sight, sound, and movement, which stimulate brain activity and promote cognitive growth.

This, according to brain trainer Margaret Kihara, promotes social interaction and communication and helps with language development.

Margaret Kihara | SUPPLIED

And while this is a crucial developmental phase, Kihara mentions that with children who are diagnosed with autism, this might be a challenge.

“It may not be as easy as it is with a neurotypical child because children with autism have challenges with social interaction. While it is normal for babies to imitate, because children learn by imitating someone, most kids with autism will not initiate play or may not be able to imitate.

“So it is important for the parent of a child with autism to initiate play and also positively imitate them so they get the connection between what they are doing and what you are doing,” she said.

Defining ASD, Kahiri says it is a complex neuro-developmental condition characterized by varying degrees of social communication difficulties, repetitive behaviors, and restricted interest.

Unfortunately, due to limited education, society still has a long way to go in dismantling social barriers that create further challenges for individuals who are living with autism.

“There is a lack of understanding, especially in our African countries. There are still misconceptions about autism, which can lead to prejudice and exclusion. A lot of awareness and education are still needed for people to understand autism and for inclusion,” she said.

“Early intervention can significantly influence long-term outcomes by taking advantage of the brain’s plasticity. So interventions like speech therapy, behavioral therapy, and occupational therapy, when introduced at a young age, can improve communication, social skills, and adaptability.”

Kihara shares that the brain grows rapidly between ages 0 and 3, with very high plasticity due to it still forming neural connections. And at the age of 3 years old, it starts pruning the ones that have not been used.

“So the theory is that in children with autism, the pathways are jumbled, which makes processing a bit inefficient. So starting intervention as early as, sometimes, 9 months could help the brain make better decisions on which pathways to keep and which ones to prune.

“So it is important to start interventions as early as possible. Yes, there are parents who start at 4 or 5 years, and at this time the child has severe challenges with communication and their interaction with their speech. It still does work at that point, but it is more promising and effective if interventions are done early. The neuroplasticity of a young brain allows for more substantial and enduring change,” she said.

As parents, understanding brain development means recognizing critical periods for intervention, understanding the plasticity of the brain (the brain’s ability to be influenced or changed by using targeted activities), and understanding how early experiences can shift cognitive and emotional development. By understanding this, parents are able to create conducive environments tailored for specific developmental needs.

“Parents must also monitor and be aware of a child’s developmental milestones. Understanding the broad range of normal variability in development, especially in children with autism, will help them know when it is time to intervene when something is wrong or when something is not as it should be. This then becomes the first step of early intervention, which is very important,” she said, adding that long-term thinking is important when planning the long-term development of your child.

“Considering how the early skills they learn will translate into their adult capabilities, such as socio-independence, It should not only be about what the child is doing right now but also about you seeing the bigger picture, that your child is going to grow into an adult, and trying to foster that independence in your child,” she said.

Kihara adds that understanding and supporting autism requires patience, education, and compassion.

“Embracing the uniqueness of autistic individuals and understanding their specific needs and abilities is key to providing effective support. Advocacy for acceptance and rights, along with individualized support, forms the cornerstone of nurturing development,” she said.

“Parents, remember to take care of yourselves. Be kind to yourselves, take care of yourselves, and seek help because you cannot take care of yourself if you are not okay,” she adds.

For brain development to occur in children with autism and atypical children, Kihara cites the following points as crucial:

1. Consistency and routine are the two main elements needed to achieve results for children. “Try to be consistent with what you are doing with your child and be on schedule.”

2. Be specific with how you communicate. “Children with autism might benefit more from visual aids or supportive tools that support what you are saying. This will enhance communication and understanding. Also try to break down what you are saying and use simple language.”

3. Educational toys and tools: you can try and incorporate tools that will stimulate cognitive development and sensory processing. You can also help your child engage in sensory play, which might also aid in reducing sensory sensitivity and helping your child process sensory information in a more effective way. This will also help them cope with sensory overload and sensory overwhelm.

4. Role stories and role play can also help. This will help teach the child norms and expected behaviors in various situations, which can be challenging for children with autism to just grasp intuitively. They are not very adept at social cues and communication. So it is important for parents to do that with them and for them. While it may look like it is not helping with brain development, it is helping the brain cope so they can adapt to the kind of environment they are in, which might not be accommodating to them.

5. Parents will need to understand their children, especially if they have autism. Children with autism are different. No one child is like the other. Yes, there are general symptoms, but they are fundamentally different. Sometimes one will have sensory overload because of this thing, and the other will have overload because of something else. Understanding your child is important to help tailor a developmental plan for them.