Learning through the language of childhood
Play Therapy for Autistic Children in Lagos
Play is a child's most natural language. Our therapists use structured and child-led play to build social skills, emotional regulation, and imagination — in your own home.
Book a SessionFor many autistic children, play does not come naturally. They may prefer to play alone, repeat the same routines, or struggle to engage in the imaginative and social play that is so important for development. Purgo Care's play therapists help children discover the joy and value of play — and in doing so, develop skills that will last a lifetime.
What Is Play Therapy?
Play therapy uses purposeful, structured, and child-led play activities to help children develop social connection, emotional expression, communication, and imagination. For autistic children, play therapy specifically works on joint attention (sharing focus with another person), turn-taking, pretend play, emotional identification, and peer interaction — all within a safe, low-pressure, and enjoyable environment.
Signs Your Child May Benefit
- Plays alone most of the time, rarely engaging others
- Little or no interest in imaginative or pretend play
- Plays in rigid, repetitive ways with toys
- Difficulty taking turns or sharing during play
- Aggression or withdrawal during unstructured play time
- Unable to read or respond to playmates' emotions
- Difficulty making or keeping friends
- Prefers objects to people during play
Session Length
45–60 minutes
Frequency
2–3 sessions per week
Age Range
2–9 years
Benefits of Play Therapy
Social Skills
Teaches turn-taking, sharing, eye contact, and how to initiate and sustain play with peers.
Emotional Regulation
Develops a child's ability to identify and manage their emotions — reducing outbursts during play and transitions.
Imaginative Play
Builds pretend and symbolic play skills — foundational for creativity, language, and social development.
Joint Attention
Develops the ability to share focus and enjoyment with another person — a foundational social-communication skill.
Peer Interaction
Structured sibling or peer play sessions teach children how to read social cues and respond appropriately.
Enjoyment and Confidence
Play therapy is fun. Children who enjoy therapy sessions are more engaged, progress faster, and build lasting confidence.
What to Expect
Sessions take place in your home, using your child's familiar toys and spaces to reduce anxiety. Your therapist carefully observes your child's current play patterns, then gradually introduces structured activities designed to expand their skills — always following the child's lead and building on their interests. Parents are coached on how to facilitate play at home between sessions, making every day a therapy opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is play therapy just playing around?+
Not at all. While sessions look enjoyable — and they are — every activity is purposeful and data-informed. The therapist has specific skills they are targeting in each session, and they use play as the medium because it is the most natural and effective way for children to learn. Progress is tracked and programmes are adjusted regularly.
How is play therapy different from just letting my child play?+
Unstructured free play is valuable, but autistic children often get stuck in the same patterns during free play — missing the developmental opportunities that typically developing children access naturally. Play therapy introduces carefully designed activities that challenge the child just beyond their current level, expanding their skills in a supported, enjoyable way.
Can siblings join play therapy sessions?+
Yes — and for many families, sibling-involved sessions are highly effective. Teaching a child to play with their sibling builds real-world skills in the most relevant relationship in their life. We structure sibling sessions carefully to ensure they are positive experiences for both children.
At what age does play therapy work best?+
Play therapy is most effective for children aged 2–9 years, when play is the primary mode of learning and social development. However, elements of play therapy are used across all ages. Earlier is always better — the sooner a child develops play and social skills, the better their long-term social outcomes.
How long does play therapy take to show results?+
Social and play skill development is gradual. Most children show noticeable changes within 3–6 months of consistent therapy. Complete social integration is a longer journey — but the skills built in play therapy are foundational and compound significantly over time.
Ready to Get Started?
Speak with our team to discuss play therapyfor your child — we'll come to you, anywhere in Lagos.