Why Children on the Autism Spectrum Love Jigsaw Puzzles
As we head into Autism Acceptance Month*, we begin a series examining the benefits of different types of toys for children and young people with autism. Our first piece focuses on why jigsaw puzzles are a popular activity for children with autism.
Puzzles are a commonly reported favorite activity for children with autism, for a few important reasons. Jigsaw puzzles, wherein users assemble irregular tiles into a complete picture, are tactile, repetitive, and have a single solution. Puzzles have a clear objective and concrete rules. They are also an activity that can be done individually or side-by-side without requiring extended social interaction.
These aspects of doing a puzzle make them highly appealing to autistic children, who have a distinct style of play. Here’s three reasons why caretakers of children with autism should consider including puzzles in their toyboxes.
Puzzles Have a Clear Objective
Children with typical development typically start engaging in what’s called “symbolic play,” or playing make believe, around two years old. They begin to imitate behaviors they’ve witnessed in their parents or guardians and act out imaginary scenes. They may also use physical objects to represent other things, such as pretending a cardboard box is a spaceship or a doll is a real baby. Symbolic play is an important developmental stage as it helps prepare children for real life roles.
One of the benefits of symbolic play is that it lets children explore roles and scenarios in an open-ended way. However, children with autism benefit much more from structured play where they have clear guidelines and expectations. For them, symbolic play may be uninteresting or difficult. In some cases, their inability to grasp the purpose of symbolic play may be frustrating for an autistic child. Children with autism have a strong preference for activities that engage the world in concrete, non-abstract ways and succeed most when they have clear, focused objectives.
Jigsaw puzzles provide a physical task with clear rules. Puzzles also offer a tangible cause-and-effect between the child’s activity and the final goal of the puzzle. For children who struggle with abstraction, physically completing a picture piece by piece makes sense. When they place their final piece, the child can look at what they’ve accomplished and be proud.
Puzzles are Repetitive and Calming
Adults think variety is the spice of life, but experts say that repetition is the cornerstone of childhood. Even non-autistic children enjoy repeating favorite experiences over and over again. Children with autism tend to hone in on repeated tasks to a greater degree than non-autistic children. Repetitive play, such as lining up toys instead of acting with them, is a common trait of children with autism.
Jigsaw puzzles are, by nature, a repetitive task that leads to a greater outcome. Such structured play activities can benefit the child doing them. Repetition lends a sense of order and predictability for the child, yielding a sense of calmness and control. Some adults with autism have also affirmed that engaging in harmless repetitive behaviors can be a form of self-regulation and a healthy outlet for stress and anxiety.
At the same time, puzzles can also be a way to introduce variety to an autistic child’s routine. Jigsaw puzzles come in a wide variety of design, size, and complexity. A new puzzle may excite a child who has completed the others in their collection.
Additionally, since children with autism are more likely to have delayed motor control, the repetitive motion of doing a puzzle is a great opportunity to practice fine motor skills.
Puzzles are an Independent Activity (That Could Be Tag-Teamed)
While children with typical developmental patterns will reach milestones where they start wanting to engage with their peers, children with autism demonstrate much lower desire to play with others. They also tend to have delayed social and communication abilities, which can cause a feedback loop of isolation.
Jigsaw puzzles are primarily an independent activity. So, they can provide an outlet for a child with autism that isn’t dependent on advanced communication or social skills. A child with autism can experience the same playful release by completing a stimulating puzzle that other children may get from playing a game or dressing up.
On the other hand, some experts say that autistic children do play with each other, but in such a different manner that it does not appear to be collaborative to non-autistic onlookers. Children with autism may sit next to each other and work on similar activities without verbally communicating. But, their hands and actions may be providing each other with more information than teachers and guardians realize.
This style of parallel play can be an important source of connection for children with autism. Puzzles are an excellent platform for such parallel playing. Two folks can sit together and independently work on the same puzzle. This proximity may lead to opportunities for deeper interaction, such as asking each other to pass pieces, or it may remain a pleasant, silent experience.
If you have an autistic child in your life and are looking for healthy, stimulating outlets for them, consider puzzles. Diversity in Toys offers jigsaw puzzles for children of all interests and skill levels. We hope you find one your child loves!
* Formerly, April was Autism Awareness Month. In 2020, the Autism Society of America suggested replacing “Awareness” with “Acceptance” to further promote equity and opportunity for individuals with autism in education, employment, housing, and other realms of life.