While therapeutic play interventions are often designed with a focus on remediating deficits, the potential of play extends into the cultivation of positive developmental outcomes. Positive psychology emphasizes strengths, flourishing, and well-being, and when integrated with neuroscience, it frames play as a generator of thriving rather than a corrective measure alone (Seligman, 2011). For children with ASD, this paradigm shift is crucial: play becomes a platform for building confidence, agency, and self-determination.

At the molecular level, the engagement of positive emotional states through play activates endocannabinoid systems, enhances dopamine-mediated reward learning, and increases vagal tone associated with parasympathetic nervous system regulation (Hill et al., 2010). These biochemical processes underpin resilience, stress recovery, and the expansion of attentional capacities. Thus, beyond its corrective functions, play equips children with biological tools for thriving.

Protocols that harness the potential of play emphasize experiences of flow, creativity, and mastery (Csikszentmihalyi, 1990). They encourage children to pursue intrinsically rewarding activities that both scaffold developmental tasks and cultivate long-term psychological well-being. The integration of playful exploration with positive psychology principles transforms therapy from a clinical intervention into a lifelong developmental pathway.

Further, positive play interventions have been linked to the reduction of systemic inflammation, as indicated by lower interleukin-6 levels following joyful, engaging activities (Steptoe et al., 2008). This highlights a psychoneuroimmunological pathway through which play not only enhances subjective well-being but also improves physical health outcomes. The capacity of play to extend beyond therapy positions it as a truly holistic intervention.

Peter De Ceuster (2026). Play-Based Interventions for Promoting Positive Developmental Outcomes in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Excerpt from: Play-Based Interventions for Promoting Positive Developmental Outcomes in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Comprehensive Therapeutic Protocol Informed by Neuroscience, Developmental Psychology, and Positive Psychology. by P. De Ceuster

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