Teaching play skills - selecting toys - teaching tips.  Bright Tots - Information on child development - Autism information.
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Teaching Playskills
TEACHING PLAY SKILLS
By:  Tracey Spiro
Special Education /Aba Teacher
Teaching Play Skills
Teaching children with autism play is important.           

•        Play is a child’s “work”.  It’s what they do in order to learn about their world.
•        Play allows a child with autism to learn and practice new skills in all areas.
•        Play provides a vehicle to interact with people and objects in their environment.
•        Play promotes independence during “down time”.
•        Play builds confidence and competency.
•        For a child with autism learning how to play appropriately with toys can replace non-functional play.
•        Most important, IT’S FUN!!!

When teaching a child with autism remember play differs for them
Children without a developmental disorder   
Children with a developmental disorder
Ritualistic
Can be Non-Functional
Repetitive
Limited interests
Rigid
Voluntary
Spontaneous
Internally Reinforcing
Flexible
Creative
Teaching toys for children with autism

•        Pick out toys that are related to the child’s INTERESTS.
•        If your child engages in “non functional behavior” choose toys that provide the same sensory input but in a more appropriate way.
•        Choose toys that correspond to your child’s developmental level.

Autism Teaching Tips:

•        Don’t be afraid to “change the rules” or use only some of the pieces to simplify the play in the beginning.
•        Remember to teach “one step at a time”. Small steps will lead to BIG gains!
•        Program for success! Provide “prompts” as needed in order to ensure that your child continues to be successful and motivated.
•        Structure play time in “small time frames” frequently throughout the day.
•        Know when to end a play session!

Toys for babies & infants, baby toys, gifts for baby, great developmental value
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For more information and articles on autism visit:  www.worldofautism.com
W o r l d   of   A u t i s m
What is Autism? - Frequently asked questions on autism - What causes autism? - What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA Therapy)? - Autism diagnosis? - What are the types of autism?  What are the signs of autism? Medications Used in Treatment of Autism - A Genetic Clue to Why Autism Affects Boys More
Autism and vaccines - 1 in 100 Children Affected with autism - Autism:  To Cure or Not to Cure
Speech and Language Problems in Autism Spectrum Disorders - Research Points to Genetic Link in Autism Challenges Siblings of Children with Autism Face
A u t i s m   A r t i c l e s
Inspirational, uplifting news articles on autism / The downside of autism in the news
Mom Wins Fight For Autism Insurance
Bright Tots ~ Information on childhood developmental disorders, including autism, attention deficit disorder (ADHD), behavior disorders, bipolar disorder, cerebral palsy, childhood disintegrative disorder, depression in children, diabetes in children, down syndrome, emotional disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder , selective mutism, separation anxiety disorder, speech and language disoreders and spina bifida..

Resources, articles and  information on autism including Asperger's syndrome, assessing autism, autism and tantrums, autism in childhood, autism therapies, characteristics of autism, discipline strategies, early signs of autism, echolilia, fragile x, hyperlexia / dyslexia, immunization worries, oral care and autism, pervasive developmental disorders (PDD), Rett syndrome, savant syndrome, and more.

Understanding
developmental disorders.  Find Early Intervention in your area.

Information and articles on autism therapy and autism treatment including:  
ABA therapy, autism diets, chelation therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, key to learning, medications for treating autism, play therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, sensory integration, signed speech, speech therapy, TEACCH Method and more

What is a learning disability?  What are developmental domains?  Tips on teaching a child with autism, age appropriate behavior (milestones), parenting rules, oral care and autism, baby tooth decay, is your child over weight?  For those hard to understand terms, visit our Glossary

Bright Tots - Helpful information for picking the right toy for Babies, Toddlers and Preschool kids
What to look for in developmental baby, toddler and preschool toys.  Read on the importance of choosing the right educational baby toys, educational toddler toys, educational preschool toys that will

"Make Learning Fun"

Choosing the right Baby Toys | Toddler Toys | Preschool Toys | Special Needs
For more information and articles on autism visit:  www.worldofautism.com
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Age Appropriate Behavior
Aspergers
Autism and Bullying
Autism Therapies
Characteristics of Autism
Classic Autism
Early Signs of Autism
Echolalia (repetitive speech)
Fragile X
Hyperlexia
Medication and Autism
Parenting Help
PDD-NOS Pervasive Developmental Disorder
Rett Syndrome
Savant Syndrome
Sensory Integration