This is a comprehensive guide to establishing shared play experiences that assist in the development of communication, social understanding and cognition. Easily accessible, and packed full of practical resources, the book defines the importance of play both developmentally and psychologically as having a major influence on the enrichment of meaningful interactions and children’s learning. Diana Seach expertly discusses how play enables children with Autism to: represent their knowledge of the world and their relationships with others spontaneously explore ways of thinking about themselves and the objects they encounter develop communication and companionship discover motivating ways to learn extend their imagination and creative potential. Those who live and work with children who have Autism and Asperger Syndrome will find Interactive Play for Children with Autism an invaluable tool when implementing strategies to develop interactive play in educational establishments, care settings and the family home.

This book discusses the deficits in the development and presentation of play behavior and social skills that are considered central characteristics of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The book explains why play provides an important context for social interactions and how its absence can further exacerbate social deficits over time. It highlights the critical roles of social skills in development, and the social, cognitive, communication, and motor components of play. Chapters offer conceptually and empirically sound play and social skills interventions for children with ASD. Play activities using diverse materials and including interactions with peers and parents are designed to promote positive, effective social behaviors and encourage continued development. The book provides unique strategies that can be tailored to fit individual children’s strengths and deficits. Topics featured in this book include: Naturalistic Teaching Strategies (NaTS) for developing play and social skills. Teaching play and social skills with video modeling. Peer-mediated intervention (PMI) strategies that promote positive social interactions between children with ASD and their peers. Visual Activity Schedules and Scripts. Parent-implemented play and social skills intervention. Play and Social Skills for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder is a must-have resource for researchers, clinicians, and graduate students in clinical child and school psychology, behavioral therapy/rehabilitation, social work, public health, and related psychology, education, and behavioral health fields.

The Verbal Behavior (VB) approach is a form of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), that is based on B.F. Skinner's analysis of verbal behavior and works particularly well with children with minimal or no speech abilities. In this book Dr. Mary Lynch Barbera draws on her own experiences as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and also as a parent of a child with autism to explain VB and how to use it. This step-by-step guide provides an abundance of information about how to help children develop better language and speaking skills, and also explains how to teach non-vocal children to use sign language. An entire chapter focuses on ways to reduce problem behavior, and there is also useful information on teaching toileting and other important self-help skills, that would benefit any child. This book will enable parents and professionals unfamiliar with the principles of ABA and VB to get started immediately using the Verbal Behavior approach to teach children with autism and related disorders.

This guide explains how to help children with autism spectrum disorders engage in interactive play, which is vial for the acquisition of social skills and attention to shared activities.

This is the story of Zane, a zebra with autism who worries that his differences make him stand out from his peers. With careful guidance from his mother, Zane learns that autism is only one of many qualities that make him special. Contains a “Note to Parents” by Drew Coman, PhD, and Ellen Braaten, PhD, as well as a Foreword by Alison Singer, President of the Autism Science Foundation.

Play to Grow: Over 200 games designed to help your special child develop fundamental social skills, is an incredibly rich manual for parents and professionals to help promote meaningful social interaction for children with autism or other developmental delays. The games are divided according to five stages of development and each game addresses a very specific goal within each stage. All of the games are tried-and-true, kid and parent tested, and are designed to inspire any child with common motivators, such as; humor, anticipation, music and physical stimulation. Many games also have tips and variations so it can be adapted for children with different interests. Play to Grow! is not only a list of games, it is also a guide for parents and professionals on how to execute the games effectively. The book outlines the eight essential elements (both relating to attitude and technique) that contribute to successful playing. It also includes the "ideal recipe" in making up new games so that parents and professionals can use this book as a springboard to invent games of their own. Every detail is taken into consideration to help make play most successful, including how to help kids who are easily distracted stay focused in your game. The authors write, "Above all else, make your play fun. Use your play to create a deep and meaningful connection with your child, because ultimately, there is no skill more important than your child's desire and ability to connect with another person. Achieving this close connection will open many doors, and it is from this desire that all other skills will grow.

Autism spectrum disorder and developmental disabilities -- Foundations of autplay therapy -- The autplay therapy approach -- Research and case studies -- Emotional regulation interventions -- Social skills interventions -- Connection interventions -- Additional resources.

Ordinary games are an important vehicle for children's learning. They provide a powerful, naturally occurring learning environment that is physical, playful and fun. Playing games requires interpersonal skills in language, thought, social behavior, creativity, self-regulation and skilful use of the body. When children play games together they develop the following key capacities: •Cooperative behavior •Focused attention •Social understanding •Holding information in mind •Motor, spatial and sequential planning •Self-regulation, e.g impulse control, coping with excitement, controlled exertion •Collaborative behavior and negotiation •Self-expression and creativity. Games provide a social experience that is emotionally compelling, where children laugh and have fun and do not realise they are interacting, problem solving, negotiating and cooperating with each other. Play Better Games is designed to help practitioners and parents to think about what might prohibit their children from joining in with games and plan effective strategies for support. It will be of benefit to teachers, therapists, group works, play workers, midday supervisors and support workers, as well as to parents and siblings of children with autism.