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. 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.
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. This updated second edition contains an extensive chapter on how to use the computer, the internet and the digital camera to find and make resources and activities, and suggests many suitable websites to help parents through the internet maze. The ideas are useful both for toddlers and primary age children who are still struggling with play.
"This is a practical resource of play ideas for parents of children with an autism spectrum disorder... Comprehensive book of play ideas... The range of ideas is underpinned by a healthy balance of research-based interventions and therapies, thus presenting an eclectic approach to play. As a consequence, both the relevance and effectiveness of these ideas are likely to stand the test of time... It would be hard to imagine any reader failing to find some positive information from among the many ideas presented... While primarily directed at parents and carers, the relevance of this book applies equally to a much broader readership Indeed, this book would by a valuable addition to the bookshelf of any early years practitioner, play worker, teacher or teaching assistant within the primary phase of education."
- Nasen Special
"Julia Moor's updated version of this book is an excellent resource for parents and carers, with the potential to be of use to nursery and primary school staff. Primarily written for parents and carers, it is an easy to read, practical collection of resources that can be used to facilitate play activities with a child who has autism, in a way that is rewarding for both parents and the child. Highly recommended."
- Afasic News
"Moor's book is well stocked throughout with simple and easy to use ideas and strategies. She includes specific activities and play-scenarios, and, where possible, suggests how these ideas might be modified or expanded. Her writing style is easy to read and the chapters are well structures, perfectly suited for her desired audience of parents and caregivers."
- Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders