Play equals language. Whether it’s describing actions that are taking place, expanding imagination through narration, or referencing peers for turn-taking. The act of playing may seem effortless and natural. However, if you break it down into component parts, you’ll discover that it is made up of an intricate network of variables. These variables all need to come together as a connected unit in order for play to be executed appropriately.

For children who display language delays, play can be one of the most difficult activities to engage in. For many of these children, the inability to execute play may result in negative or inappropriate behaviors: throwing toys across the room, putting them in their mouths, or repeating the same action over and over. All of these actions may be the result of the frustration children feel when not understanding what the toy items are and what to do with them. However difficult it may be for children with delays to learn to play, it is a vital skill to achieve as it helps them understand their world, and how to interact with it.