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.

Table of Contents:
Introduction. 1. Why is playing so important? 2. Early playing skills: Gaining attention and sharing space. 3. Structured play. 4. Toys, toys, toys. 5. Table-top games and puzzles. 6. Music. 7. Turn-taking in play. 8. Physical games and activities. 9. Outdoor play. 10. Water play. 11. Television potential. 12. Being creative - art and craft. 13. Creating imaginative play sequences. 14. Introducing books and reading. 15. Problems, frustrations, tantrums - making play enjoyable. Bibliography. Therapeutic options/organisations. Recommended reading. Websites for articles written by adults with autism. Toys and suppliers. Index.

About the Author :
Julia Moor has been working as a teacher with adults with learning disabilities for 18 years, delivering creativity, communication, life skills and intensive interaction courses at day services and educational settings. She has also worked as a trainer for autism awareness and has a son on the autism spectrum. Julia is the author of Playing, Laughing and Learning with Children on the Autism Spectrum: A Practical Resource of Play Ideas for Parents and Carers, also published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers. She lives in Leeds, West Yorkshire.

Review :
While primarily directed at parents and carers, the book is relevant to a much broader readership; indeed it would be a valuable addition to the bookshelf of any early years practitioner, playworker, teacher or teaching assistant within the primary phase of education. `…an approachable and practical edition that will be welcomed by parents and carers alike. I know how hard it can be to find "How to" resources for parents. Well here is a gem.' `As a parent of a child with a diagnosis of autism, Julia Moor is eminently qualified to write such a book. In addition, she has a psychology degree and a career working with adults with learning difficulties. She has created an approachable and practical edition, which will be welcomed by parents and carers alike. I know how hard it can be to find `how to' resources for parents. Well here is a gem.' `The book is well organised, simply written, and it avoids jargon and technical terminology. It is full of wonderful and practical ideas such as "structuring your day by creating a visual diary" or "picture prompts for playing with toys." There is a specific section on tabletop games that provides some fun ways to introduce tabletop play such as puzzles or provide an activity box. Outdoor play, water play, and taking turns in play also have chapters devoted to ideas, which make the play personally engaging and enjoyable for all. There is a section on music which includes scripts to rhythm (encouraging songs) and a section on relaxation "which gives them a tool for later life" (p.93). Throughout the book, engagement is an important aspect of all the activities presented.' `This book is written for parents but invaluable for all those working with children on the Autistic Spectrum. It is a book of practical and imaginative ideas and activities based on the tried and tested principles of various familiar approaches to autism… I can thoroughly recommend it.' `The book's contents are derived from a survey of over 100 parents of children with a diagnosis of autism. Its aim is to empower parents to fill their child's day with play­-based activities carried out by those who know the child best. This positive book bursts with ideas on different types of structured play.'

Parents of young children newly diagnosed as autistic will appreciate a new book: Playing, Laughing and Learning with Children on the Autism Spectrum. It shows how to gain a child's attention and motivation and start to build on small achievements.

The use of case studies illustrates how problems of ritual and obsession can be redirected positively and shows how to overcome communication barriers using picture cards.

­ New Generation

`I described the book as exciting because Julia Moor helps the reader to play from the perspective of the child with autism and shows us how the activities we value may be of interest, frustrating or even frightening for the child. She suggests ways to encourage the child's attention and motivation by breaking down the activities into manageable stages and building on small achievements. Most importantly - finding ways to reach the child, to explain what we would like him to do, and to negotiate a balance between the learning activity and what the child really wants to do (tickling, bubbles watching an video, etc.)'.