At Edx Education, we believe that every child deserves to thrive through play. For children in the early years with developmental delays, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit disorder (ADD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), selective mutism, or other developmental needs, play-based learning can offer a powerful, joyful path to growth.
Play is not just fun — it’s essential for cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. But for children with additional needs, play may require more thoughtful planning and support. The key is creating a safe, engaging, and low-pressure environment that encourages curiosity, confidence, and connection.
Creating a Supportive Play Environment
Children with developmental differences often benefit from specialised routines and sensory-friendly spaces. Here are a few tips to help caregivers and parents create a nurturing play environment:
Use picture cards and visual prompts: Children with ASD or selective mutism may find it easier to engage with structured visual cues. Picture cards can help explain routines or play sequences, making transitions smoother and reducing anxiety.
Provide simple scaffolding instructions: Break down activities into small, manageable steps. Instead of saying “Build a tower,” try “Let’s stack one block, then two blocks, then three.” This scaffolding approach supports executive function and builds confidence.
Offer quiet play areas: Sensory overload can make it hard for children to focus or feel comfortable. A designated quiet play corner with soft lighting and minimal distractions can be a haven for children who need calm to play and learn.
Embracing Open-Ended Play
Open-ended toys are especially powerful for children with additional needs. These are toys that don’t have one right way to play — they allow children to create, explore, and express themselves at their own pace.
At Edx Education, we’ve developed a range of open-ended educational toys that support developmental goals while encouraging creativity and joyful learning:
Sensory Trays: Fill a tray with rice, sand, or water, and add small objects like shells, pebbles, or scoops. Sensory trays are brilliant for calming anxiety, improving fine motor skills, and encouraging exploratory play. Add simple prompts with picture cards to inspire imaginative scenes.
Linking Cubes: These versatile cubes help with counting, sorting, building, and pattern recognition. They’re perfect for children who enjoy tactile play and can be used in quiet or active settings.
MyGears®: Children who are drawn to cause-and-effect or mechanical play will love constructing and spinning colourful gears. MyGears® also support motor planning and problem-solving.
GeoStix®: These flexible, connectable sticks are great for children working on shape recognition, fine motor development, and creativity. Try forming letters, numbers, or patterns — or just let your child explore!
Pattern Blocks: Perfect for visual learners, these vibrant blocks encourage symmetry, pattern-making, and early maths skills. They're also excellent for solo play when children need quiet focus time.
Construction Materials: Building towers, bridges, or cities allows children to experiment with structure and balance. It also encourages persistence, planning, and storytelling.
Top Tips for Parents and Caregivers
1. Follow your child’s lead: Observe what your child enjoys and build on their interests. Let them play how they want to — even if it’s not how you imagined the toy would be used.
2. Celebrate the small wins: Whether it’s stacking two cubes or making eye contact during play, every step forward is meaningful.
3. Keep routines flexible: While structure helps many children, it’s okay to change things up to suit your child’s energy or mood that day.
4. Use the power of repetition: Repeating familiar games helps children feel safe and master new skills at their own pace.
5. Involve siblings and peers: Social play — even simple parallel play — can be enriching and modelled naturally through siblings or friends.
At Edx Education, we’re here to support your child’s unique learning journey through our educational toys, downloadable resources, and our podcast, Play, Learn & Create with Edx Education. Play really can unlock a child’s full potential — especially when we meet them where they are, with love, patience, and the right tools.
Let’s continue to celebrate the power of play for every child.
Written by Heather Welch, Author of Happy Children Play and General Manager, Edx Education UK