Peer Play and the Autism Spectrum: The Art of Guiding Children's Socialization and Imagination (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781963367065)

Many children on the autism spectrum spend inordinate amounts of time alone. Without appropriate intervention, they are especially vulnerable to being excluded from their peer group and leading impoverished play lives. First published 20 years ago, this practical guide offers an introduction to the basic principles, tools, and techniques that comprise the integrated play groups model.

Pamela Wolfberg essentially translates theory into effective and meaningful practice, giving practitioners, parents and other caregivers the tools to initiate peer play groups for children in school, home, and community settings. Teach children with autism to play using this evidence-based curriculum!

The second edition is informed by the influx of knowledge in the growing and transforming field of autism, current conceptions of the Integrated Play Group (IPG) model are heavily influenced by the neurodiversity movement. Importantly, it stems from deep engagement with many people who identify as autistic or neurodivergent, including professionals, scholars, students, advocates, friends, and family members. Indeed, while some aspects of the IPG model are presented differently from earlier versions of this work, the original principles and practices remain well-grounded while genuinely affirming of neurodiversity, social inclusion, creative expression, and authentic play. There continues to be tremendous value placed on these core elements, including their role and
interpretive meanings for autistic children and their peers.