| Just like ordinary kids, autistic kids love to play and | | | | and visuals such as radio and TV, certainly gives |
| they love toys as well. Before commencing play | | | | them comfortable feel to play. |
| therapy, we need to build up rapport and trust as | | | | Deciding right time for play therapy: always pick the |
| well as to arouse their interest to play. Dad and mom | | | | right time when they are not exhausted or needing |
| are the most suitable persons to start with their | | | | nap hours, better still to start after nap hour or when |
| children, not only the time spent together is indeed | | | | fresh. While playing, if they become bored or tired |
| joyful but help to achieve the purpose of play | | | | with these games, it is no point pushing them to |
| therapy. Moreover, the opportunity to play together | | | | continue, Also, in the beginning, is better to have |
| can help to increase their language skills. This is the | | | | shorter playing session says five to ten minutes and |
| great opportunity for both parents and children with | | | | several of these short sessions spread out in a day. |
| special needs, just that parents need to put in extra | | | | This way, not only helps to arouse their interest to |
| effort to plan this play therapy. | | | | continue playtime, it contributes to lengthen their |
| The importance of playtime needs not | | | | attention spread. |
| over-emphasized, it is through this time that they | | | | Picking new toys: is always good to start with plays |
| learn motor coordination, develop skills to handle | | | | or games that they are more interested with, and |
| toys, learn skills to interact with his playmates, build | | | | works up slowly to include toys that help to develop |
| up self-confidence, etc. Needless to say, playtime | | | | cognitively. |
| give kids the opportunity to pick up their social, | | | | Be flexible: learning from playtime is not necessary |
| emotional and physical developments. Also, choosing | | | | only at structured play sessions, it can be flexible |
| the suitable playtime activities can help to stimulate | | | | while shopping, driving in the car, baking cakes or |
| their language skills besides giving them enough fun. | | | | cookies, cleaning up the house, folding clothes, etc. |
| Followings are the suggestions to start with play | | | | Lastly, let them initiate: since our roles are more of |
| therapy: | | | | supportive one, we should consider to let them |
| Correct environment for play therapy: start with an | | | | initiate their moves, leave them playing unless they |
| appropriate decoration, such as play mat helps to | | | | want us to participate, or choosing their choice of |
| define the play area, minimal distractions of sounds | | | | games during play therapy. |