Oh Hey, Autism—There You Are!
- mbradleypotter
- Aug 26
- 3 min read
Melissa Bradley-Potter, M.A. CCC-SLP
SLP, mom of three, and advocate for neurodiversity— helping families one child at a time.
Looking Back Through Photos
Every once in a while, I come across old photos of my boys when they were freshly four. In so many of them, they’re happily lining up animals in neat rows. At the time, I didn’t think too much of it—it was just the way they liked to play.
But looking back now, with both my perspective as a mom and as a pediatric speech-language pathologist, I can see what was right in front of me: Oh hey, autism—there you are!
Lining Up Is Play, Too
Lining up toys is a frequently observed way for children with autism to play. Sometimes it’s the only way a child prefers to engage, which wasn’t the case for my boys, but it was certainly one of their favorite ways to organize their world.
When I first started working as an SLP, this type of play was not considered “typical.” Parents and therapists alike were encouraged to redirect children toward more “acceptable” forms of play, like pretend play. The message was clear: lining up animals wasn’t okay.
What We Know Now
Thankfully, perspectives have shifted. Research, practice, and lived experiences have taught us that ALL play is valid, meaningful, and developmentally appropriate for the child engaging in it.
Lining up animals, spinning wheels, building towers—these aren’t behaviors to correct or erase. They are windows into a child’s mind, reflections of how they see and interact with the world.
Joining In, Not Redirecting
Instead of redirecting, we now know to join in. We meet children where they are, celebrate their joy, and build connection through the play that matters to them.
Children learn language through play, and play with others begins with interaction! Joining your child in their play honors how they communicate and shows that you are interested in what they have to say.
Looking back at those pictures of my boys, I feel nothing but gratitude. Gratitude that they were authentically themselves. Gratitude that we get to celebrate their autism instead of trying to change it. Gratitude that as a professional, I can encourage other families to see the beauty in their child’s play.
A Final Thought
So, to the rows of animals that once stretched across my living room floor: thank you. You were never “just lining things up.” You were my boys showing me their world.
Takeaway for Parents: All play is meaningful play. Instead of worrying about whether it looks “typical,” lean in, celebrate it, and join your child right where they are. That’s where connection begins and communication will soon follow.
About the Author
Melissa Bradley-Potter, M.A. CCC-SLP
Founder & Owner, Blue Door Pediatric Therapy – Omaha, NE
Melissa is a pediatric speech-language pathologist with over 20 years of experience supporting children and families. She is also a proud mom of three—twin sons with autism and a daughter—who continue to inspire her both personally and professionally.
Through her clinic, Blue Door Pediatric Therapy, Melissa and her team provide speech and occupational therapy that is play-based, family-centered, and affirming of each child’s unique strengths. She is passionate about celebrating neurodiversity and helping families see the joy and meaning in every stage of their child’s development.
Outside of her professional work, Melissa enjoys reading, crocheting, and spending time with her husband and their two dogs, Bea and Hattie.