Play therapy for Autism

Play is how a child learns to interact with the environment. Play induces problem solving and reasoning ability, improves negotiation ability and manual dexterity, and is beneficial for overall well being. Play is also the medium through which adults can interact with the child and teach them new skills. Play is a non-rigid way of teaching where the child leads the way.

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder with difficulties in social interactions and individuals displaying restrictive repetitive behaviors.

Play therapy is a therapeutic approach which allows autistic individuals to slowly develop social skills and communication. Play therapy is usually tailor made for each child according to their autistic needs.

Play therapy can be used both as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool. A therapist can observe a child’s play to diagnose the symptoms; for example, an autistic child prefers to play alone and may line up objects. After diagnosis, play therapy can be used a personalized manner to help the child to self-express and communicate. Play therapy can help the child to develop coping mechanisms and work on poor behaviors.

Play therapy techniques:

-Child centered play

-Structured play

-Pretend play

-Sensory play

Prior to engaging in pay therapy, a therapist conducts a family assessment and interacts with the child to understand the child’s needs. Play therapy generally has 4 phases:

1.????? Initiation phase: It is the time in which the child adapts to the play area and the play therapist. During this phase the child explores the different possibilities within the play area and slowly finds comfort in playing with different toys or games.

2.????? Resistance phase: During this phase the therapist tests the behavioral issues the child may possess. This may lead to resistance or even aggressive behavior from the child, sometimes the child even avoids the play therapy sessions. The therapist slowly works to get the child to come out of this phase so the behavioral issues can be addressed.

3.????? Work phase: It is the most crucial and longest phase of the therapy. During this phase the child is made to put in the work to make adaptive changes to their behavior. This phase improves the self esteem, communication and general attitude of the child. Occasionally the child may show regression- at which the therapist increases the effort the effort to bring back the child on track.

4.????? Termination phase: Once the child masters better behavior and communication, the frequency of the therapy sessions are reduced until they can be terminated, when the therapist is confident that the child can manage effective social interactions on their own. For autistic kids this may not always mean verbal communication, but any form of communication which makes them self sufficient in social situations.

Play therapy is most effective for children between 3-12 years. In the case of autistic kids, they may understand some rules of games but will continue to have some autistic traits. Therefore, early intervention is crucial for better social integration of autistic children.

At Jewel Autism and Child Development Centre, we use a multi-specialty approach to provide therapy to children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. We are the largest team of professionals for Autism therapy in India and we also have a branch in Dubai, UAE.

·??????? Successfully completed 17 years in mainstreaming autistic kids

·??????? Success stories of 150000 + children from 38 countries

·??????? Internship center for 38 universities across the globe

·??????? PhD center for five universities

·??????? First complete child development center in India since 2008

·??????? Biggest CHILD DEVELOPMENT TEAM in India with 180 staff members

·??????? Well established branch in UAE which can cater up to 200 plus kids a day

We believe every child with special needs deserves a chance to experience life like everyone else and it is our mission to provide them the skills and training to realize that dream.

Contact us: Cheriyapally Hospital Buildings, Ooppoottil Kavala, Chalukunnu, Kottayam, Kerala 686001

Phone: +91-9745451747 / +91-9846565524 / +91 9400225922 / +971 547829954

Email: [email protected]

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