What is an open-ended toy you might ask? “Open-ended toys” are a developmental industry term for toys with which there’s no prescribed way to play. Think LEGO, or blocks, or action figures. Why are they important? These types of toys do not put restrictions on a child’s imagination, creativity, and space for sensory exploration. They are especially useful for children with autism. They have been proven to support communication skills, cognitive development,and self-regulation. At Monarch House, we can keep many of these types of toys on-hand to foster the ongoing development of the children. 

Here are ten effective ways to encourage play with open-ended toys for children with www.monarchhouse.ca/markham

1. Choose The Right Toys

Can your child correctly identify every dinosaur by their Jurassic period? Is this special interest a fascination and preoccupation in their lives? Whatever you do, don’t get this child stuffed animals. Get them dinosaur stuff. They will let you know when they are ready to broaden their interests. In the meantime, select toys that match the child’s interests and sensory preferences. If blocks, Play Doh, kinetic sand, fabric swatches, and figurines are excellent choices that allow for various types of interaction without rigid instructions—find blocks and figurines and sand and swatches and Play Doh with a dinosaur motif. 

2. Provide A Structured Play Area

Once you have your open ended toys you’re going to need a space in the home to play with them. If you don’t have a nursery or designated area in the living room, create a dedicated space in a nook somewhere for open-ended play with minimal distractions. You don’t want this open-ended concept to extend to every corner of your home, or you’ll neer stop stepping on blocks in bare feet.  Keep a calm, organized environment nicely tucked away with ample storage. This consistency helps children with neurodivergence feel secure, promoting focus and engagement with their toys.

3. Model Play Behaviour

The thing about open ended toys is that there is no right or wrong way to play with them. Dinosaurs can rule the edge of the bathtub just as well as they can march into the kitchen to wage war over the cat’s food. To get the ball rolling, demonstrate different ways to use the toys to inspire creativity. This is where you’re going to have to embrace your inner child for an afternoon and remember how you used to lose yourself in a world of imagination. Pass that on. If your child is stuck trying to initiate play with blocks, get down on the floor with them and show them how to build impossible leaning towers, assemble domino chain reactions, or create impenetrable walls that can stop any toy car. 

4. Follow The Child’s Lead

Do this. Don’t do that. Life has so many rules and instructions to follow it’s hard not to turn into a bit of a robot sometimes. You don’t want this for your kid. Allowing the imagination to take hold without bounds is the only true way to facilitate freedom. So as best you can, encourage your child to try free exploration without imposing rules. If they choose to line up blocks instead of building a tower, take your hands off the wheel, respect their method of play and observe how they engage with the materials. You might learn a new way of thinking yourself in the process. 

5. Incorporate Sensory Elements

The cool feel of kinetic sand in your hands can be exhilarating. The smell of Barbie’s perfume can contribute to an immersive experience. Children love sensory-rich toys and for those with autism, they can greatly benefit from sensory-rich experiences. When picking out their next birthday present, consider textured blocks, scented plastercine, or water play to encourage exploration and enhance engagement.  

6. Introduce New Play Ideas Gradually

Don’t think that just because you bought a box of Lego that you’re going to end up with some cool looking structure by the end of the day. Getting used to open ended toys takes some practice and getting used to. Some children can be hesitant to try new play activities. So roll up your sleeves and show them how it’s done. Don’t force it. Bit-by-bit introduce small changes, such as adding a figurine to a block structure, or showing them the foundations of making a simple house out of blocks. As time goes on, gently expand their play experiences while keeping them within a comfortable range.

7. Encourage Social Play When Appropriate

Open-ended toys do not always equal cooperative play. That’s perfectly okay. If your child enjoys playing alone, let them play alone. Collaborations and friendships over toys should be another focus for another time.  However, if your child is one of those who are open to social interactions, open-ended toys can be a smooth way to introduce parallel play with a peer, sibling, or caregiver to encourage social connections.

8. Use Visual Supports

So there’s a pile of blocks sitting on the living room floor. Some children may look at that and think “What does this mean? What am I supposed to do with these things?” So a little instruction, even for open-ended toys, can help to get the ball rolling. If you have a  child who benefits from visual aids, create a picture guide showing different ways to use the toys. This can provide inspiration and reduce anxiety about engaging in new types of play.

9. Allow For Repetitive Play

Children with autism are often known for engaging in repetitive actions, such as stacking objects, or lining things up neatly in a row. You can do this with open-ended toys. For children with neurodivergence this is often a means to self-regulate. Don’t stand in their way, and allow them to do what comes naturally for them. You may just find that these behaviours correct themselves automatically with time. There’s also space for you, and the staff at Monarch House, to push their boundaries a little, and gently encourage slight variations over time to expand play possibilities.

10. Celebrate Creativity Without Correction

Helicopter parents take note: it’s okay for your child to play in your own way, and to make mistakes that you wouldn’t make as an adult. This is how kids learn, grow, and develop. So take a back seat and be a casual observer without trying to control everything. This will only damage your child’s self esteem and sense of independence down the road. As much as you can, only correct your child’s play approach when it’s unsafe. Let some magic unfold on its own, and at its own pace. Praise their creativity and let them know there’s no “wrong” way to play with open-ended toys. This fosters confidence and a sense of accomplishment.

If your child is not already playing with blocks, Play Doh, or action figures, then now is the time to introduce them to toys that can promote their creativity and sense of wonder. Encouraging play with open-ended toys can significantly support the developmental and sensory needs of children with autism in Markham. At Monarch House we have a professional, interdisciplinary staff of occupational therapists, behavioural therapists, psychotherapists, and speech pathologists that are here to help. By providing a structured yet flexible play environment, following their interests, and celebrating their unique ways of interacting with toys, caregivers can create meaningful and enjoyable play experiences.