Play-Based Interventions for Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Play-Based Interventions for Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders explores the most recognized, researched, and practical methods for using play therapy with the increasing number of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs), and shows clincians how to integrate these methods into their practices. Using a diverse array of play-based approaches, the book brings together the voices of researchers and practicing clinicians who are successfully utilizing play and play-based interventions with children and adolescents on the autism spectrum. It also examines the neurobiological underpinnings of play in children on the autism spectrum and the overall effect of play on neuro-typical and neuro-atypical development. Finally, through careful integration of theory with real-world clinical case application, each chapter also shows clinicians how to incorporate a particular treatment approach and make it a viable and effective part of their work with this challenging clinical population.

Part I: Foundations.Badenoch, Bogdan, Safety and Connection: The Neurobiology of Play. Rubin, Playing on the Autism Spectrum. Part II: Individualized Play-Based Interventions.VanFleet, Coltea, Helping Children with ASD Through Canine-assisted Play Therapy. Bundy-Myrow, Family Theraplay: Connecting with Children on the Autism Spectrum. Gallo-Lopez, From Monologue to Dialogue: The Use of Play and Drama Therapy for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. LeGoff, Krauss, Allen, LEGO-based Play Therapy for Improving Social Competence in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Courtney, Touching Autism through Developmental Play Therapy. Ray, Sullivan, Carlson, Relational Intervention: Child-centered Play Therapy with Children on the Autism Spectrum. Green, The Narcissus Myth: Resplendent Reflections, and Self-healing: A Jungian Perspective on Counseling a Child with Asperger’s Syndrome. VanFleet, Communication and Connection: Filial Therapy with Families of Children with ASD. Richardson, The World of Sandtray and the Child on the Autism Spectrum. Part III: Programmatic Play-Based Interventions.Hess, DIR/Floor Time: A Developmental/Relational Play Therapy Approach Towards the Treatment of Children Impacted by Autism. Solomon, The PLAY Project: A Train-the-Trainer Model of Early Intervention for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Powers-Tricomi, Gallo-Lopez, The ACT Project: Enhancing Social Competence through Drama Therapy and Performance. Part IV: Expressive/Creative Interventions.Goucher, Art Therapy: Connecting and Communicating with Children on the Autism Spectrum. Walworth, Music Therapy Interventions for Social, Communication, and Emotional Development for Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Devereaux, Moving into Relationship: Dance/Movement Therapy with Children on the Autism Spectrum.