Children with autism often exhibit a restricted or limited range of interests and play materials. They may show a persistent preoccupation with parts of objects (the spinning wheels of toy cars), an attachment to an unusual objects (a toy wheelbarrow), or fixation with a narrow interest (such as numbers or letters). Often, children with autism will demonstrate a great and odd knowledge in remembering locations, places, numbers, or letters. These very specific interests will make it difficult for the child to engage in purposeful play alone or with peers, as well as adjust to changes in routines or changes in the physical environment around them. The goal is to assist the child in expanding his interest as well as incorporating his strong interests into a more appropriate adaptable play style.
Some play behaviors of concern: * Lining up, spinning or stacking objects * Feeling textures * Lack of imitation * Need for perfectionism * Insistence that the environment or routine remain unchanged * Lack of safety awareness with play materials (climbs too high) * Does not understand "cause and effect" * Repetitive play
Developing skills: To assist in the development of play skills and expand the interests of children, in other activities, the child must improve his ability to imitate adult play, to increase the variety of toys a child will use, and increase the spontaneity of play materials. Some ideas to assist in enhancing play skills and interests include:
* Model appropriate ways to approach peers, in other words, approach a group of peers with a food item in a dramatic play grocery store, or say, "Hi, can I play too?) * Assist child verbally or hand over hand to show him/her new ways to play with materials. * Pair a new toy with a familiar toy and alternate turns. * Introduce new toys gradually, and play with the new item a bit longer each day. * Encourage use of sensory materials to expand flexibility with play, in other words, play-dough or shaving cream can be used with cars or other favorite items). * Encourage child to explore many objects by structuring play, in other words, give a child a choice to play with tow new materials-they must pick one. * Incorporate a favorite toy for your child, into other play activities. * Imitate activities that are motivating for the child, and then encourage reciprocal imitation of an activity for an adult, in other words, zoom cars on a table with the child; then have the child zoom pens on paper with you. * Give an autistic child choices within limits.
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information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
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