Child-Centred Play Therapy for autistic children aged 3–14 in Reservoir, Melbourne. A neurodiversity-affirming, play-based therapy that meets your child where they are.
At Saga Psychology, we offer Child-Centred Play Therapy (CCPT) for autistic children and their families across Melbourne’s northern suburbs. CCPT doesn’t try to change who your child is. It gives them a safe, accepting space to express themselves, build connection and develop emotional and social skills in their own way and at their own pace.
Many autistic children communicate in ways that go beyond words. CCPT uses play as the main way of communicating, so it suits children who find talking about feelings difficult or who prefer to communicate nonverbally.
Every autistic child is different. Many experience the world, communicate and connect with others in ways that differ from their non-autistic peers. For example, an autistic child might:
- Communicate through gestures, actions or play more than spoken words
- Use speech in their own way, such as repeating words or phrases (echolalia), or speaking with a different rhythm or tone
- Prefer to play alone or alongside others rather than in shared games
- Focus deeply on particular interests, objects or routines
- Find social situations, change or sensory experiences overwhelming
Autism is usually identified in early childhood, although many children, particularly girls, are diagnosed later. Parents often first notice differences in how their child plays, communicates or interacts with other children.
How autistic children play
Play is meaningful for autistic children, even when it looks different. Some children enjoy lining up, sorting or exploring objects closely, or repeating the same play sequence. Pretend play, where one object stands for another, may appear later or look different. Pretend play is closely connected to language and social development, which is one reason play-based support can be so valuable.
In CCPT, the therapist doesn’t teach the “right” way to play. Instead, they join your child in their way of playing. This builds trust, connection and a sense of being understood.
Research on Child-Centred Play Therapy with autistic children is still developing, but early findings are encouraging.
A literature review by Hillman (2018) found CCPT to be a promising approach for supporting the social and emotional behaviours of autistic children, while noting that more research is needed. A pilot randomised controlled trial by Schottelkorb, Swan and Ogawa (2020) compared 23 autistic children who received intensive CCPT with children who received no intervention. Children who took part in CCPT showed improvements in social responsiveness and fewer behavioural difficulties, as reported by parents.
CCPT relies on play and nonverbal communication, not talking, which makes it a natural fit for many autistic children. It is also relationship-based and respects each child’s individual way of engaging with the world, in line with a neurodiversity-affirming approach.
CCPT can be used alongside other supports your child may receive, such as speech pathology or occupational therapy. [CCPT may be funded through the NDIS for eligible participants.] Contact us to discuss whether it’s right for your child.
References:
Chung, Regine & Ray, Dee. (2025). Child-Centered Play Therapy: Process and Effect With Autistic Children. International Journal of Play Therapy. 34. 51-62. 10.1037/pla0000233.
Hillman, H. (2018). Child-centered play therapy as an intervention for children with autism: A literature review. International Journal of Play Therapy, 27(4), 198–204. https://doi.org/10.1037/pla0000083
Kenny MC, Dinehart LH, Winick CB. Child-centered play therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder. In: Drewes AA, Schaefer CE (Eds.). Play therapy in middle childhood. American Psychological Association. 2016: 257-274.
Schottelkorb AA, Swan KL, Ogawa Y. Intensive Child-Centered Play Therapy for Children on the Autism Spectrum: A Pilot Study. J Counsell Dev . 2020;98:63–73