Autism and Play
Many children on the autistic spectrum seem to be at a very early developmental stage in their play, which tends to be less spontaneous, exploratory and varied than that of other children. This accessible handbook describes different play sequences which encourage the integration of social, emotional and cognitive development in autistic children. The easy-to-follow play strategies focus on the four key skills of visualizing, imitation, mirroring and turn-taking.The book is illustrated throughout with photographs, and includes a questionnaire for observing and assessing play interventions as an appendix. The authors combine an accessible developmental approach with practical tried-and-tested play strategies. Autism and Play will enable parents to nurture their children's social and cognitive development, and will inform the practice of professionals working in close contact with children on the autistic spectrum.Jannik Beyer, PhD is a psychologist and Director of broendagerskolen, a special school for autistic children. He is a member of the board of directors of the Danish Association of Special Schools and Treatment Centres for Autistic Children. Lone Gammeltoft is a speech and language therapist and teacher at the broendagerskolen. Both authors have been working with children with autism for more than twenty years.'Autism and Play provides an innovative and insightful account of play practice in a specialised area. It is a useful introductory reference for any parent or professional involved with children affected by autism and who are interested in developing further understanding of the rich and educative potential of play presents a complex subject simply and comprehensibly. It is an inspiring read. The value and dynamics implicit in interactive play are made refreshingly explicit. Highly recommendable.'- Rostrum'The authors supply ideas and strategies that could easily be employed in both school and home settings. Importantly, they stress the need to let play be play and not turn each session into a teaching opportunity. This is an excellent book for parents and professionals wishing to develop sound, theoretically based ways of working with children with autism.'- International Journal of Early Years Education'Occupational therapists working with children with autism will find this book extremely useful on their book shelves. It is up to date with current knowledge and understanding of autism and explains clearly the development of play among non-autistic children as compared to children with autism.'- British Journal of Occupational Therapy'Autism and Play is a user friendly, handbook for all parents, professionals and Para-professionals working in the area of Autism.' - Min Whitehead, Teacher'If one is seeking a text to stimulate one's approach to and understanding of play with children with autism this would be a valuable resource. The authors have indeed achieved their aim of creating a text that stimulates the use of play with children with autism, one that is accessible to both parents and professionals.'- International Journal of Early Years Education'This is an individual handbook which describes various strategies to enable children and young people with autism to learn how to play. Techniques include imitation and mirroring and there are ingenious ideas for helping children to understand the concept of turn-taking. Black and white photographs in action and enjoyment of the children and young people is obvious.'- Action for Leisure Update'This book is particularly valuable and special in that the authors provide professionals and parents with specific and precise ideas for the planning of play activities - ideas that can be applied directly. In addition, the excellent photographs supplement the educational strategies. The interesting point in this respect is that the authors describe how even very low-functioning children with autism can also benefit from play activities. This book is essential reading and a valuable source of inspiration for professionals and parents who are looking for creative and good ideas for play activities for children with autism.'- From the Preface by Dr. Demetrious Haracopos, Director: The Danish Information and Training Center for Autism