Playing with kids who have autism
by Bob
Well, I saw “Blog Maven” Beth Finke at a conference in Chicago last week and she reminded me of a story I wanted to share.
Last month, I had the pleasure of leading a presentation with our speech therapist and P.L.A.Y. Project (Play and Language for Autistic Youngsters) consultant, Amanda Dobberstein at a local Kiwanis meeting. A family we see here at Easter Seals Southeast Wisconsin gave us permission to share a video that demonstrates the way we can use P.L.A.Y. Project in our state. The state of Wisconsin has approved the P.L.A.Y. Project as a fundable option for families eligible for the CLTS (Children’s Long Term Support) Waiver. Children who finish the intensive phase of the waiver and are moving to the ongoing phase can now receive funds to pay for P.L.A.Y. therapy.
At the start of the video we showed to the Kiwanis, you see a mother, son and daughter surrounded by toys — they look like any young family. You see little Jason moving around his mother, playing with different items, not engaging his sister at all. In most of the scene, Jason’s back is turned. He doesn’t always respond to his mother’s questions about the color of objects or the shape of the object. A family physically together, yet miles apart.
Second scene, that same mom and Jason playing together after just a few months in the P.L.A.Y. Project. Jason is asking mom to “make a roar” and tickle him. Mom makes three different noises (a chirp, a quack, a moo) but no roar. Jason says no to each. “No, Mom. a roar!” Finally, Jason raises his finger and says, “I got it! A LION!” Mom roars and tickles her son and giggles hysterically. It all ends in a hug.
No more playing around — now they play together.
See the difference? The two are learning about animals and sounds together during play time. We see moments of imaginative play, creativity, and engagement. Best of all, we see a loving moment between parent and child.
With autism, the social aspects that impede a child’s development can be the largest obstacle. The P.L.A.Y. Project is directed at those soft skills we all need — not just on the playground, but later in life at a job interview, around the water cooler and at social events.