Unveiling the impact of play therapy on emotional expression: Enhancing social and emotional development in children with autism spectrum disorder

Abstract

This study investigates the transformative impact of play therapy on emotional expression and social development among children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder marked by social communication challenges, repetitive behaviors, and sensory integration difficulties. The primary objective was to examine behavioral changes following a one-month intervention involving daily play therapy sessions. Ten children aged 2.5 to 5 years were observed pre- and post-intervention using the Play Behavior Checklist and semi-structured therapist interviews. Results indicate substantial improvement in emotional regulation, peer interaction, and command-following in most participants. These findings support play therapy as a vital therapeutic modality in early ASD interventions, particularly in culturally diverse contexts. Play therapy, as a child-centered approach, uniquely aligns with the needs of non-verbal or minimally verbal children, offering them a safe and expressive medium that fosters therapeutic alliance and development. The study also highlights the adaptability of play therapy across different cultural environments, indicating its potential for broader implementation.