We are pleased to present in this new millennium the latest evolution of the Integrated Play Groups model. The concept for Integrated Play Groups emerged in response to the unique and complex challenges children with autistic spectrum disorders experience in peer relations and play. Despite opportunities for play, these children do not naturally acquire capacities to pretend and coordinate social activities with other children. Problems conveying and interpreting social-communication cues make it difficult to join peers in play. Attempts to socialize are often subtle, obscure or poorly timed and mistaken as signs of deviance or limited social interest.
Many children spend inordinate amounts of time alone in repetitive and unimaginative activities.
Without appropriate guidance, children with autistic spectrum disorders are at high risk for being excluded from their peer culture and leading impoverished play lives. Importance of Play with Peers Play is a primary social and cultural activity through which children acquire symbolic capacities, interpersonal skills and social knowledge. Moreover, peers perform a distinct role in fostering children's socialization and development that cannot be duplicated by adults. Children of all ages make sense of the world and develop their imagination through shared experiences in play. While playing with peers, children gain social competence and develop friendships.