{"id":141,"date":"2023-07-08T09:44:24","date_gmt":"2023-07-08T09:44:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sutra.care\/blog\/?p=141"},"modified":"2023-07-08T09:46:19","modified_gmt":"2023-07-08T09:46:19","slug":"harnessing-the-advantages-of-playing-in-autism-therapy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sutra.care\/blog\/harnessing-the-advantages-of-playing-in-autism-therapy\/","title":{"rendered":"Harnessing the Advantages of Playing in Autism Therapy"},"content":{"rendered":"

For children playing is always pleasurable. Playing helps young children in building their social and physical skills. Though autistic children also like to play but they prefer playing alone. While playing children do not have anything in mind, and they do things in their own way. That\u2019s why playing is considered the most effective method in autism therapy<\/strong><\/a> as it helps autistic children learn so many things.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Difference between directive play and non-directive play in autism therapy<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

In non-directive play, autistic children are allowed to play as they want. But in directive play, therapists sometimes engage with the children and guide them while playing. They can choose any toy or anything they like when they start playing. Autistic children focus on a specific part of a toy, and their playing looks repetitive. After playing for some time, therapists request the child to pick a different toy or <\/span>communicate with them in a different way.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Floor time therapy is considered to be the most beneficial therapy<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Floor time therapy is child-centered and aims to help children with ASD develop the foundational skills for building relationships, engaging in social interactions, and regulating emotions. It supports the child’s differences and strengths while targeting areas of difficulty.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Benefits of Floor Time therapy for autistic children include:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Enhancing social skills: <\/span><\/b>Through interactive play, the child learns to engage and communicate with others, improving their ability to form relationships.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Strengthening emotional bonds: <\/span><\/b>By joining the child in play, the therapy nurtures a secure and trusting relationship between the child and therapist\/caregiver.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Promoting communication skills: <\/span><\/b>Floor Time therapy helps develop verbal and non-verbal communication, such as gestures, eye contact, and sharing emotions.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Encouraging problem-solving abilities: <\/span><\/b>The child can explore and find solutions within play scenarios, promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Supporting cognitive and emotional development:<\/span><\/b> Floor Time therapy stimulates imagination, creativity, and flexible thinking, fostering overall mental and emotional growth.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What does a play therapist do?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Play Therapy at Home<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A play therapist helps children feel better by playing with them. They create a special place where kids can have fun and discuss their feelings without being judged. The therapist watches the child play and listens carefully to what they say. They are kind and understanding. By playing together, the therapist helps children learn how to handle tough things, like when they feel sad or scared. They also help kids make friends and feel more confident. The therapist uses different games and activities to help each child in the best way possible. Autistic children<\/strong><\/a> are always looked after with care and love by play therapists, that\u2019s why it is considered one of the most beneficial autism therapy for children.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

During the therapy session, the adult engages in interactive play with the child. They encourage exploration, problem-solving, and communication in children<\/strong><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n