Integrated and Scheduled Play for Autistic Children
Friday, February 20, 2009
In recent research it has been found that a children with Autism show improvement in his all developmental areas like Speech and communication, social interaction and behaviour if they are provided the Scheduled and Integrated play. Integrated and Structured play are the kind of intervention target to develop and promote social and communication skills. Structured play group children show more positive effects than the controlled group where the children were not provided integrated play sessions.
Despite of number of opportunities or children for play, the children with Autism or with Social difficulties do not naturally play, pretend, participate and coordinate in social activities with other children. Problems conveying and interpreting social-communication cues make it difficult to join peers in play. Because of both communication and social problems the child tends to withdraw himself from the group and enjoys to play of his own. Many children spend their precious time alone, preoccupation with some material or in pursuing repetitive and rigid activities. Without appropriate intervention, they are at high risk for being excluded from their other peer groups and leading impoverished play
The Integrated Play or Structured Play groups are designed to support children with social and play difficulty. Play groups can be arranged at home, school or other community parts or societies. Initially the parents may need a professional help of Early interventionist or Play therpaist who can guide the play as facilitator (play guide). Children meet regularly in small groups with a theme play. Each group is customized as a part of a child’s individual education / therapy program. Through a costumized system of support, emphasis is placed on maximizing children’s developmental potential as well as intrinsic desire to play, socialize and form meaningful relationships with society.
This not only helps the children with Autism but also sensitise the community about their difficulties and hence helps in social inclusion. An equally important focus is on teaching the peer group to be responsive, accepting and inclusive of children who relate and play in different ways.
Posted byNeeti at 7:57 PM
nice to read about it. Thanks
do you actually have play therapist in india??
the idea did seem logical but where do u find play therpists??
well not very common, play therapist are available here in India
but there are few ppl here. i do suggest n help children structuring the play
as far as I am aware of RCI courses and couple of other universities,they do not have any courses which certified them as a PLAY THERAPIST. If they are there,it means they must have completed from abroad. every rehab or therapeutic courses have curriculum on 'PLAY'. no matter if it is OT, ST, Speech, PGDEI,ECSC, B.ED. BRT.etc....this depends on the individual professional how they are going to structure PLAY as a part of their Therapy. once the child's need is identified, types of play therapy will become more easier to fit best of the child's interest.