The Effect of Play Therapy on Social Interaction of Learners with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Literature Study
Keywords:
Autism Spectrum Disorder, Inclusive Education, Literature Review, Play Therapy, Social Interaction
Abstract
Learners with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often experience barriers in establishing social interactions that have a direct impact on relational development at school. Play therapy is one intervention approach that is considered effective in stimulating social development through fun and structured activities. This study aims to examine the effect of play therapy on the social interaction of learners with ASD through a literature study. Twenty articles published in the last five years were analyzed, selected based on criteria of thematic relevance. The review categorized play therapy into five approaches, including direct social, music and movement, visual and manipulative, collaborative play, and physical intervention. The review found that all of these approaches can improve social dimensions such as eye contact, reciprocal communication, cooperation and emotional expression. The conclusion of this study suggests that play therapy should be integrated into inclusive education practices as part of social interventions for learners with ASD.
References
Brignardello-Petersen, R., Santesso, N., & Guyatt, G. H. (2025). Systematic Reviews of The Literature: An Introduction to Current Methods. American Journal of Epidemiology, 194(2), 536–542. https://doi.org/10.1093/aje/kwae232
Chan, J. S., Deng, K., & Yan, J. H. (2021). The Effectiveness of Physical Activity Interventions on Communication and Social Functioning in Autistic Children and Adolescents: A Meta-Analysis of Controlled Trials. Autism, 25(4), 874–886. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361320977645
Chung, R. K., & Ray, D. C. (2025). Child-Centered Play Therapy: Process and Effect with Autistic Children. International Journal of Play Therapy, 34(2), 51–62. https://doi.org/10.1037/pla0000233
De Carvalho, A. P., Braz, C. S., Dos Santos, S. M., Ferreira, R. A. C., & Prates, R. O. (2024). Serious Games for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Literature Review. International Journal of Human–Computer Interaction, 40(14), 3655–3682. https://doi.org/10.1080/10447318.2023.2194051
Elbeltagi, R., Al-Beltagi, M., Saeed, N. K., & Alhawamdeh, R. (2023). Play Therapy in Children with Autism: Its Role, Implications, and Limitations. World Journal of Clinical Pediatrics, 12(1), 1–22. https://doi.org/10.5409/wjcp.v12.i1.1
Fitria, A. W., Parwoto, P., & Musi, M. A. (2024). Pengaruh Bermain Kolaboratif dengan Nature Table Montessori untuk Meningkatkan Kemampuan Interaksi Sosial Anak Autis. Jurnal Pelita PAUD, 9(1), 63–77. https://doi.org/10.33222/pelitapaud.v9i1.3758
Habibi, M. M. (2022). Efektifitas Terapi Bermain Sosial untuk Meningkatkan Kemampuan dan Ketrampilan Sosial Bagi Anak Autism: Eksperimen di PAUD-SD Lenterahati Islamic Boarding School. Jurnal Ilmiah Profesi Pendidikan, 7(2), 504–511. https://doi.org/10.29303/jipp.v7i2.706
Iskandar, S. (2023). Pengaruh Terapi Bermain Snakes and Leadders Terhadap Peningkatan Kemampuan Kognitif pada Anak Autisme. Jurnal Riset Media Keperawatan, 6(2), 121–124. https://doi.org/10.51851/jrmk.v6i2.446
Iskandar, S., & Indaryani, I. (2020). Peningkatan Kemampuan Interaksi Sosial pada Anak Autis Melalui Terapi Bermain Assosiatif. JHeS (Journal of Health Studies), 4(2), 12–18. https://doi.org/10.31101/jhes.1048
Iskandar, S., Indaryani, Sari, M., & Sari, N. P. (2024). Stimulasi Perkembangan Motorik Anak Autis Melalui Terapi Bermain: Snakers And Ladders di Sekolah Pendidikan Khusus dan Pendidikan Layanan Khusus Mutiara Bunda Kota Bengkulu. Jurnal Besemah, 3(1), 15–20. https://doi.org/10.58222/jurnalbesemah.v3i1.373
Kanzari, C., Hawani, A., Ayed, K. B., Mrayeh, M., Marsigliante, S., & Muscella, A. (2025). The Impact of a Music and Movement-Based Intervention on Motor Competence, Social Engagement, and Behavior in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Children, 12(1), 87. https://doi.org/10.3390/children12010087
Katilik, A. N., & Djie, J. A. (2022). Penerapan Pendekatan Orff-Schulwerk untuk Meningkatkan Hasil Belajar Siswa dengan Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) dalam Pembelajaran Instrumen Ritmis Sederhana. Jurnal Seni Musik, 12(1), 91–109.
Ke, X., Song, W., Yang, M., Li, J., & Liu, W. (2022). Effectiveness of Music Therapy in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 13, 905113. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.905113
Levante, A., Martis, C., Antonioli, G., Dima, M., Duma, L., Perrone, M., Russo, L., & Lecciso, F. (2023). The Effect of Sports Activities on Motor and Social Skills in Autistic Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Narrative Review. Current Developmental Disorders Reports, 10(3), 155–174. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40474-023-00277-5
Oktaviani, E., Zuraidah, Susmini, & Ibnu Jamaludin. (2023). Implementasi Terapi Bermain Flash Card Untuk Meningkatkan Interaksi Sosial Anak Autisme. Jurnal Kesehatan Mercusuar, 6(1), 56–64. https://doi.org/10.36984/jkm.v6i1.373
Oktaviani, F., Satiadarma, M. P., & Roswiyani. (2021). The Effectiveness of Improvisational Music Therapy in Improving Communication and Social Interaction Skills in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Systematic Review. Proceedings of the 1st Tarumanagara International Conference on Medicine and Health (TICMIH 2021), Advances in Health Sciences Research, 41, 250–256. https://doi.org/10.2991/ahsr.k.211130.039
Paseno, M. M., Madu, Y. G., Irwandy, F., Nikolas, A. K., & Parumpa, A. (2022). Pengaruh Terapi Bermain Assosiatif Terhadap Kemampuan Interaksi Sosial pada Anak Autis. Media Keperawatan: Politeknik Kesehatan Makassar, 13(2), 219–224. https://doi.org/10.32382/jmk.v13i2.3095
Pavlou, E.-S., & Garmpis, A. (2025). Enhancing Social Skills in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Through Natural Musical Instruments and Innovative Digital Musical Instruments: A Literature Review. Societies, 15(3), 53. https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15030053
Qi, K., Liu, Y., Wang, Z., Xiong, X., Cai, K., Xu, Y., Shi, Y., Sun, Z., Dong, X., & Chen, A. (2024). Recreational Ball Games are Effective in Improving Social Communication Impairments Among Preschoolers Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Multi-Arm Controlled Study. BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation, 16(1), 176. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-024-00957-8
Rogers, S. J., Yoder, P., Estes, A., Warren, Z., McEachin, J., Munson, J., Rocha, M., Greenson, J., Wallace, L., Gardner, E., Dawson, G., Sugar, C. A., Hellemann, G., & Whelan, F. (2021). A Multisite Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing the Effects of Intervention Intensity and Intervention Style on Outcomes for Young Children With Autism. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 60(6), 710–722. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaac.2020.06.013
Safitri, N., Arsesiana, A., Agustina, V., & Mawarni, R. (2023). Pengaruh Terapi Bermain Flashcard Terhadap Interaksi Sosial pada Anak Autis di Yayasan Pendidikan Melati Ceria di Kota Palangka Raya: The Effect of Playing Flashcard Thetaphy to Social Interaction in Toddlers in Melati Ceria Educational Foundation of Palangka Raya City. Jurnal Surya Medika, 9(3), 173–178. https://doi.org/10.33084/jsm.v9i3.6576
Saribu, R., Saputri, D., & Yuliani, E. (2024). Pengaruh Terapi Bermain LEGO Terhadap Interaksi Sosial Anak Autisme di SLBN Kota Tanjungpinang. Jurnal Kesehatan Gemilang, 8(11), 57–62.
Suratmi. (2022). Upaya Meningkatkan Kemampuan Membaca Anak Autis Melalui Penerapan Terapi ABA (Applied Behaviour Analysis) dengan Menggunakan Media Pembelajaran Flash Card Glenn Doman di SKh Negeri 01 Cilegon Tahun Pelajaran 2021/2022. Wiyatamandala: Jurnal Pendidikan dan Pengajaran, 2(2), 223–235.
Undang-Undang Republik Indonesia Nomor 20 Tahun 2003 tentang Sistem Pendidikan Nasional. (2003). https://peraturan.bpk.go.id/Home/Details/43920/uu-no-20-tahun-2003.
Wright, B., Kingsley, E., Cooper, C., Biggs, K., Bursnall, M., Wang, H.-I., Chater, T., Coates, E., Teare, M. D., McKendrick, K., Gomez De La Cuesta, G., Barr, A., Solaiman, K., Packham, A., Marshall, D., Varley, D., Nekooi, R., Parrott, S., Ali, S., … Le Couteur, A. (2023). Play Brick Therapy to Aid The Social Skills of Children and Young People with Autism Spectrum Disorder: The I-SOCIALISE Cluster RCT. Public Health Research, 1–137. https://doi.org/10.3310/VGTR7431
World Health Organization. (2023, November 15). Autism. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/autism-spectrum-disorders
Xing, Y., Huang, S., Zhao, Y., & Wu, X. (2025). Effects of Group Sports Activities on Physical Activity and Social Interaction Abilities of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Frontiers in Psychology, 15, 1496660. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1496660
Chan, J. S., Deng, K., & Yan, J. H. (2021). The Effectiveness of Physical Activity Interventions on Communication and Social Functioning in Autistic Children and Adolescents: A Meta-Analysis of Controlled Trials. Autism, 25(4), 874–886. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361320977645
Chung, R. K., & Ray, D. C. (2025). Child-Centered Play Therapy: Process and Effect with Autistic Children. International Journal of Play Therapy, 34(2), 51–62. https://doi.org/10.1037/pla0000233
De Carvalho, A. P., Braz, C. S., Dos Santos, S. M., Ferreira, R. A. C., & Prates, R. O. (2024). Serious Games for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Literature Review. International Journal of Human–Computer Interaction, 40(14), 3655–3682. https://doi.org/10.1080/10447318.2023.2194051
Elbeltagi, R., Al-Beltagi, M., Saeed, N. K., & Alhawamdeh, R. (2023). Play Therapy in Children with Autism: Its Role, Implications, and Limitations. World Journal of Clinical Pediatrics, 12(1), 1–22. https://doi.org/10.5409/wjcp.v12.i1.1
Fitria, A. W., Parwoto, P., & Musi, M. A. (2024). Pengaruh Bermain Kolaboratif dengan Nature Table Montessori untuk Meningkatkan Kemampuan Interaksi Sosial Anak Autis. Jurnal Pelita PAUD, 9(1), 63–77. https://doi.org/10.33222/pelitapaud.v9i1.3758
Habibi, M. M. (2022). Efektifitas Terapi Bermain Sosial untuk Meningkatkan Kemampuan dan Ketrampilan Sosial Bagi Anak Autism: Eksperimen di PAUD-SD Lenterahati Islamic Boarding School. Jurnal Ilmiah Profesi Pendidikan, 7(2), 504–511. https://doi.org/10.29303/jipp.v7i2.706
Iskandar, S. (2023). Pengaruh Terapi Bermain Snakes and Leadders Terhadap Peningkatan Kemampuan Kognitif pada Anak Autisme. Jurnal Riset Media Keperawatan, 6(2), 121–124. https://doi.org/10.51851/jrmk.v6i2.446
Iskandar, S., & Indaryani, I. (2020). Peningkatan Kemampuan Interaksi Sosial pada Anak Autis Melalui Terapi Bermain Assosiatif. JHeS (Journal of Health Studies), 4(2), 12–18. https://doi.org/10.31101/jhes.1048
Iskandar, S., Indaryani, Sari, M., & Sari, N. P. (2024). Stimulasi Perkembangan Motorik Anak Autis Melalui Terapi Bermain: Snakers And Ladders di Sekolah Pendidikan Khusus dan Pendidikan Layanan Khusus Mutiara Bunda Kota Bengkulu. Jurnal Besemah, 3(1), 15–20. https://doi.org/10.58222/jurnalbesemah.v3i1.373
Kanzari, C., Hawani, A., Ayed, K. B., Mrayeh, M., Marsigliante, S., & Muscella, A. (2025). The Impact of a Music and Movement-Based Intervention on Motor Competence, Social Engagement, and Behavior in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Children, 12(1), 87. https://doi.org/10.3390/children12010087
Katilik, A. N., & Djie, J. A. (2022). Penerapan Pendekatan Orff-Schulwerk untuk Meningkatkan Hasil Belajar Siswa dengan Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) dalam Pembelajaran Instrumen Ritmis Sederhana. Jurnal Seni Musik, 12(1), 91–109.
Ke, X., Song, W., Yang, M., Li, J., & Liu, W. (2022). Effectiveness of Music Therapy in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 13, 905113. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.905113
Levante, A., Martis, C., Antonioli, G., Dima, M., Duma, L., Perrone, M., Russo, L., & Lecciso, F. (2023). The Effect of Sports Activities on Motor and Social Skills in Autistic Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Narrative Review. Current Developmental Disorders Reports, 10(3), 155–174. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40474-023-00277-5
Oktaviani, E., Zuraidah, Susmini, & Ibnu Jamaludin. (2023). Implementasi Terapi Bermain Flash Card Untuk Meningkatkan Interaksi Sosial Anak Autisme. Jurnal Kesehatan Mercusuar, 6(1), 56–64. https://doi.org/10.36984/jkm.v6i1.373
Oktaviani, F., Satiadarma, M. P., & Roswiyani. (2021). The Effectiveness of Improvisational Music Therapy in Improving Communication and Social Interaction Skills in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Systematic Review. Proceedings of the 1st Tarumanagara International Conference on Medicine and Health (TICMIH 2021), Advances in Health Sciences Research, 41, 250–256. https://doi.org/10.2991/ahsr.k.211130.039
Paseno, M. M., Madu, Y. G., Irwandy, F., Nikolas, A. K., & Parumpa, A. (2022). Pengaruh Terapi Bermain Assosiatif Terhadap Kemampuan Interaksi Sosial pada Anak Autis. Media Keperawatan: Politeknik Kesehatan Makassar, 13(2), 219–224. https://doi.org/10.32382/jmk.v13i2.3095
Pavlou, E.-S., & Garmpis, A. (2025). Enhancing Social Skills in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Through Natural Musical Instruments and Innovative Digital Musical Instruments: A Literature Review. Societies, 15(3), 53. https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15030053
Qi, K., Liu, Y., Wang, Z., Xiong, X., Cai, K., Xu, Y., Shi, Y., Sun, Z., Dong, X., & Chen, A. (2024). Recreational Ball Games are Effective in Improving Social Communication Impairments Among Preschoolers Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Multi-Arm Controlled Study. BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation, 16(1), 176. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-024-00957-8
Rogers, S. J., Yoder, P., Estes, A., Warren, Z., McEachin, J., Munson, J., Rocha, M., Greenson, J., Wallace, L., Gardner, E., Dawson, G., Sugar, C. A., Hellemann, G., & Whelan, F. (2021). A Multisite Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing the Effects of Intervention Intensity and Intervention Style on Outcomes for Young Children With Autism. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 60(6), 710–722. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaac.2020.06.013
Safitri, N., Arsesiana, A., Agustina, V., & Mawarni, R. (2023). Pengaruh Terapi Bermain Flashcard Terhadap Interaksi Sosial pada Anak Autis di Yayasan Pendidikan Melati Ceria di Kota Palangka Raya: The Effect of Playing Flashcard Thetaphy to Social Interaction in Toddlers in Melati Ceria Educational Foundation of Palangka Raya City. Jurnal Surya Medika, 9(3), 173–178. https://doi.org/10.33084/jsm.v9i3.6576
Saribu, R., Saputri, D., & Yuliani, E. (2024). Pengaruh Terapi Bermain LEGO Terhadap Interaksi Sosial Anak Autisme di SLBN Kota Tanjungpinang. Jurnal Kesehatan Gemilang, 8(11), 57–62.
Suratmi. (2022). Upaya Meningkatkan Kemampuan Membaca Anak Autis Melalui Penerapan Terapi ABA (Applied Behaviour Analysis) dengan Menggunakan Media Pembelajaran Flash Card Glenn Doman di SKh Negeri 01 Cilegon Tahun Pelajaran 2021/2022. Wiyatamandala: Jurnal Pendidikan dan Pengajaran, 2(2), 223–235.
Undang-Undang Republik Indonesia Nomor 20 Tahun 2003 tentang Sistem Pendidikan Nasional. (2003). https://peraturan.bpk.go.id/Home/Details/43920/uu-no-20-tahun-2003.
Wright, B., Kingsley, E., Cooper, C., Biggs, K., Bursnall, M., Wang, H.-I., Chater, T., Coates, E., Teare, M. D., McKendrick, K., Gomez De La Cuesta, G., Barr, A., Solaiman, K., Packham, A., Marshall, D., Varley, D., Nekooi, R., Parrott, S., Ali, S., … Le Couteur, A. (2023). Play Brick Therapy to Aid The Social Skills of Children and Young People with Autism Spectrum Disorder: The I-SOCIALISE Cluster RCT. Public Health Research, 1–137. https://doi.org/10.3310/VGTR7431
World Health Organization. (2023, November 15). Autism. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/autism-spectrum-disorders
Xing, Y., Huang, S., Zhao, Y., & Wu, X. (2025). Effects of Group Sports Activities on Physical Activity and Social Interaction Abilities of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Frontiers in Psychology, 15, 1496660. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1496660
Published
2025-12-01
How to Cite
Ulyanisa Adibah, G. M., & Yusup, F. (2025). The Effect of Play Therapy on Social Interaction of Learners with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Literature Study. Pedagogi: Jurnal Ilmu Pendidikan, 25(2), 278-286. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.24036/pedagogi.v25i2.2559
Section
Articles
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
