Early Intervention Games: Fun, Joyful Ways to Develop Social and Motor Skills in Children with Autism Spectrum or Sensory Processing Disorders
Early Intervention GamesChildren identified with Autism Spectrum or Sensory Processing Disorders are often perceived as needing to be "fixed." However, recent research suggests that what we need to do instead is play with them and help them find the joy in interacting with others. InEarly Intervention Games, expert occupational therapist Barbara Sher provides a wide selection of fun and novel games to do at home or in the classroom, including a variety of games to play in water. This indispensable resource can help these unique children enhance and increase their social, motor, and sensory skills. Each game explains the lessons playfully learned and ways of modifying the games so that everyone, regardless of skill level and sensibility, can play along.Neuroscientists now know that playing is a profound biological process that shapes and enlarges the brain; but from the children's view, it just feels good to have fun. Enjoy the positive interaction with the children in your life that you'll discover in Early Intervention Games.Praise forEarly Intervention Games"Early Intervention Gamesbrims with sparkling ideas to help children learn the pleasures of engaging in back and forth play. Barbara's warm advice and cool activities invite us to dive right in!"—Carol Kranowitz, author ofThe Out-of-Sync Child"Barbara Sher is gifted in her ability to weave therapy into play while deeply respecting the strengths and uniqueness of each child. In this book, she artfully explains how everyone can support challenged children through brilliantly creative yet practical, low-budget games. Her gentle, welcoming ways pull out the best in children as she shows us how to playfully play."—Mary Sue Williams, co-author ofHow Does Your Engine Run? Alert Program for Self-Regulation"Early Intervention Gamestakes a unique approach with its emphasis on playful activities. Barbara Sher's games and ideas are simple, fun, and wonderful tools for therapists working with children who have Sensory Processing or Autism Spectrum Disorders."—Dr. Lucy Jane MillerPh.D., OTR, executive director, Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation and author of Sensational Kids