There are several different stages of play that are often referenced in ABA. These include solitary play (playing alone with toys, uninterested, or unaware of others playing), parallel play (playing alone but next to a peer or with the same toys), associated play (playing with the same materials but not working towards a common goal) and cooperative play. Cooperative play is when the child is interested in both the individuals and the activity that they are playing.

Cooperative play is appropriate for children typically when they reach preschool age. Cooperative play requires more reasoning and complex communication skills that children often haven’t developed until this age. Cooperative play is more “formal” than other types of play, as each child engaged is working toward a common goal, or has an assigned role in the play scheme.

What does cooperative play look like?

If the children are playing “house”, there might be a mom, a dad, a child, and maybe a brother or sister. (Side note: I’ve also seen kids take on the role of family dog - kids are the best). If they are playing restaurant, there will be chefs, a waiter, and someone eating. If they are working together to build a block tower, or a ramp for their cars, this is also cooperative play, as they are working with peers toward a common goal. These are all play schemes in which the children are interested in the individuals as well as the activity.

How can I work on cooperative play skills with my child?

There are many skills that you can work on with your child to get them ready for cooperative play and socializing with their peers. Things like teaching your child to request items appropriately, or using toys for their intended purpose, are skills they need that will help your child have a successful cooperative playtime. You can also introduce them to rules of social games like hide-n-seek, tag, or duck-duck-goose so they are familiar when they are with peers.

How can I foster cooperative play?

Here are some ideas to encourage cooperative play with peers in each season:

Fall - Work together to make a big pile of leaves, and then jump!

Winter - Use teamwork to create a snowman.

Spring - Take advantage of the warmer weather and play “farm” outside, having children pretend to do “farm duties” and take care of animals. Children can pretend to be any animal they want, or a farmer!

Summer - Using teamwork and water balloons, kids can work together to complete a relay race.

Anytime you play with your child, you’re teaching them how to play by modeling for them, so have some fun with your child and P-L-A-Y!

References:

https://www.erinoakkids.ca/ErinoakKids/media/EOK_Documents/Autism_Resources/Teaching-Play-Skills.pdf

http://www.earlychildhoodnews.com/earlychildhood/article_view.aspx?articleid=707

Brooke Junior, M. Ed., BCBA

Brooke is an expert teacher and behavior analyst. She specializes in verbal behavior and early intervention, and is passionate about helping young children learn to be as independent as possible and communicate effectively.