Playing, Laughing and Learning With Children on the Autism Spectrum: A Practical Resource of Play Ideas for Parents and Carers

Parents of young children newly diagnosed as on the autism spectrum are often at a loss for ideas about how best to help their child. They feel dismayed and 'shut out' by their child and are often also having to grapple with language and behaviour problems. Playing, Laughing and Learning with Children on the Autism Spectrum is not just a collection of play ideas; it shows how to break down activities into manageable stages, and looks at ways to gain a child's attention and motivation and to build on small achievements. The use of case studies illustrates how problems of ritual and obsession can be used and redirected positively and shows how to structure play activities and overcome communication barriers by using picture cards. Each chapter covers a collection of ideas around a theme, including music, art, physical activities, playing outdoors, puzzles, turn-taking and using existing toys to create play sequences. There are also chapters on introducing reading and making the most of television. The ideas are useful both for toddlers and primary age children who are still struggling with play.

Julia Moor is a sensory art and communication tutor at a day service for adult learners and has worked for fourteen years with adults with multiple learning disabilities (including autism). She has a degree in psychology and is currently working towards a PGCE (PCET). Her son Robin was diagnosed autistic at two; he is now ten years old and coping well in mainstream education.