The National Autistic Society suggests that one in 100 children and adults in the UK are autistic. There has been a lot of discussion around the under diagnosis of autism in girls and women which has, seemingly, led to a recent surge in diagnosis.
Whether you or your child have a diagnosis of autism, are waiting on an assessment for autism, or believe that your child may be displaying some autistic traits, there are many things you, as a parent / carer, can do to support your child at home.
Supporting your autistic child at home deserves many, many moments of joy.
Parenting, regardless of diagnosed or undiagnosed neurodivergence, can be a struggle. Add in the challenges of modern day living, with just over 75% of mothers and 92% of fathers working and staggering rates of smartphone use among 3-12 year olds – not to mention smartphone use of parents – and family life can seem impossible for some families.
Often, struggling families experience less day-to-day joy and laughter – both of which are important to overall good mental health. For some families the additional needs of neurodiverse children can cause even more strain causing increased anxiety in children and adults.
How can playing games help your autistic child?
Play is a universal language. It doesn’t need words.
It’s through play that children experience and learn about the world, themselves and others around them.
Play provides a safe training ground for your child to experiment, develop and grow. It has often been referred to as ‘the work of the child’, as coined by Swiss psychologist and child development expert, Jean Piaget.
Play can help! Play matters!
Through play you can meaningfully and joyfully connect with your child as a parent.
You can find games like the ones below in the lumin&us® app, along with explanations of their therapeutic benefits and suggestions for ways to play them with your child.
Each one of us, regardless of diagnosed or suspected neurodivergence, will have different preferences when it comes to engaging with others through play. Some adults and children prefer physical touch, such as hugs, to be firm. Others prefer a gentle embrace while some don’t feel comfortable with physical touch at all. As a parent, you know your child, and their preferences, best.*
“It has broadened my knowledge on things that I did not know before, especially my child’s behaviour. Like when my child behaves in a certain way, I understand why he did that and how to respond to the behaviour.” Parent using lumin&us®
Beyond just physical preferences, the right kind of play at the right time can make all the difference. Conversely, the wrong kind of play at the wrong time can take the situation from bad to worse. Play matters. So does knowing what kind of play is best for which situation.
The lumin&us® play and parenting app supports both neurotypical and neurodiverse families by:
- helping families understand what their child’s behaviours are telling them about their needs
- assessing the needs of each child based on the tools used by therapists
- tailoring the right kind of play at the right time for each individual child’s unique needs
- improving parent / carer and child relationships
- supporting families to manage their child’s BIG emotions and reduce conflict
- improving the overall wellbeing of the whole family
lumin&us® is rooted in the science of the nervous system and the strategies used within professional play therapies to support families in their parenting journey and help all children feel safe, content, confident and comfortable.
Try lumin&us® for free
Families can download and use the lumin&us® App from the App Store or Google Play for free by using the promo code F42WKS. Frome-based families can access lumin&us® for free for 12 months here.
* Recommended ways of playing the games and activities within the lumin&us® app can and should be modified by parents to further meet the unique preferences of their child.
We love hearing what you think. Be sure to feedback in App or by emailing us hello@luminusfamilywellbeing.com.
Help families like yours! Would you like to get involved with our 2025 UK Government funded research?
We’re inviting families in the UK and beyond to contribute to our important research into the impact of lumin&us® on families, in partnership with The University of Birmingham. For more information and to sign up, click here.
