Teaching Playskills to Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
by Melinda J. Smith, M.D. Published by DRL Books New York, 2001 Available from the EP Library (800) 535-1910 Code: DR6635AT Cost: $24.95 plus shipping and handling.Drawing on her experience as a mother of a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), author Melinda Smith, MD narrates Teaching Playskills to Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder from a concerned, observational standpoint motivated by her struggle to guide her son's playskill development. The project started in 1999 as a culmination of her research and personal experience; she created the Web site Teaching Playskills to Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder; http://melindasmith.home.mindspring.com. After confirming her child's diagnosis with extensive research, Smith embarked on a two-year journey of Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy;, her book reflects that process and includes notes by her son's tutors in almost every chapter. Also included are excerpts from other parents coping with ASD; these anecdotes are helpful and revealing, drawing contrast to the experiences of Smith's son. Because this is Smith's first experience with ABA, the reader benefits from her true-to-life narrative, experiencing common pitfalls and unexpected insights alongside her. She gives tips for planning, building and guiding your child's play, as well as suggestions loosely based on her own experiences. Smith wisely includes pros and cons for most techniques, approaches or exercises and is ever mindful that ASD can manifest in a variety of ways in different people.
Informally organized, the book first addresses the issue of play, its role in a child's cognitive and social development, types of play and teaching playskills to a child with developmental delays. Smith describes the "Mythical child"--which parents too often glorify-- that picks up his toys and who doesn't make too much noise; the autistic child, Smith opines, is just "more," that's all.
The next ten chapters, the bulk of the book, describe, evaluate and exemplify differing modes of play. With personal narratives, tutors' notes and outside excerpts, Smith explores what works and what doesn't and why; how to deal with inappropriate behavior, the relative worth of a playskill unmastered versus a child's peace of mind; peer involvement and its value; and hundreds of ideas to initiate play with your child.
Play is organized into the following groups: imitative, manipulative, toy, in-vivo pretend, in-vitro pretend, game, musical, sensory/physical, water/sand, and creative. Drills, techniques, targets, materials, examples, types and rules are included.
Smith takes the last four chapters to address social forms of play. Drawing a distinction between playdates (one or two peers) and playgroups (several peers), Smith gives prerequisites, goals and warnings, addressing difficult peer issues such as dealing with other people's children and their rudeness and lack of response to your child; the stigma among children that is associated with pretend play; viewing it as "babyish"; and your child's lack of attention span. Smith gives advice on how to build a playdate "pool" that nurtures your child. For example, peers from therapy and their siblings, who are often "accustomed to special needs behavior," often make excellent playdates. Making connections like these can help to reincorporate your child's siblings into play, since, Smith notes, they can become estranged from the sibling relationship when ASD is present. The final chapters focus on the transition of play to older groups, where structured games can become powerful. Some fun recipes for slime and putty are included along with a bibliography and a listing of toy companies and their products.
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| Publication: | The Exceptional Parent |
|---|---|
| Geographic Code: | 1USA |
| Date: | Feb 1, 2002 |
| Words: | 566 |
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