It’s not uncommon for children with developmental delays or autism to struggle with playing with toys in the way we might expect. Your child might line toys up, throw them, or show little interest in them at all. While this can be frustrating or concerning, it’s important to remember that play is a skill—and just like any other skill, it can be taught and developed over time.

At our clinic, we often begin by identifying what your child is most interested in and using that as a starting point. For example, if your child enjoys spinning objects, we might introduce toys with similar features and gradually shape that play into more functional use.

Modeling appropriate play, such as demonstrating how to roll a car or stack blocks, is a powerful tool, especially when paired with enthusiastic praise or preferred rewards when your child imitates or explores the toy in a new way. Often, children need repeated exposure and guided practice to learn how to use toys as intended.

Breaking play into small, manageable steps—like placing one block on another or pushing a toy animal—helps keep things achievable and reinforces success. It’s also important to limit access to all toys at once; presenting just one or two at a time can help reduce overwhelm and keep your child focused. And remember, play should be fun! Keep sessions short and engaging, and celebrate any progress your child makes, no matter how small.

If your child continues to struggle with toy play, working with a behavioral therapist can provide individualized strategies that help build those early play and learning skills. Through structured teaching and playful interaction, we can help your child learn to engage with toys in ways that support imagination, social development, and cognitive growth.