The act of playing permeates the different levels of the child´s development, and is fundamental for social, emotional, cognitive and physical well-being. Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder - ASD may experience difficulties in several areas of the development. It is important that health professionals, family members, caregivers and educators reflect on the role of playing in mediating relationships and exchanges, which favours the development of these children. Objective: Identify studies that provide reflections on the relevance of playing for the promotion of integral development of children with ASD. Method: An integrative review was carried out, from February 2019 to October 2020, in the main health databases. The selected material was qualitatively analysed, based on the objectives and results, making two themes emerge. Results: The themes "theoretical reflections on playing" and "the act of playing in the context of the ASD children´s development" brought reflections on the importance of playing, from different theoretical perspectives, attesting that the act of playing is essential for the development of children with ASD. This contemplates a large number of possibilities for interaction with people and realities. Conclusions: Based on the evidence presented in the literature, the act of playing should be encouraged in the context of the personal and therapeutic life of children with ASD, offering health professionals and family members alternatives for global stimulation of this population, in addition to favouring the development of children´s communication, social and motor interaction skills.