Games and social interaction in autism

This book is a collection of practical activities to teach children with difficulties in social interaction, communication and the ability to extend and vary interests and activities how to play and relate with others. These activities are particularly necessary for children with generalized developmental disorders, autism, or other disorders such as mental retardation or motor and sensory disabilities that result in limitations and difficulties—including socialization and communication difficulties. In an effort to understand these difficulties, researchers first considered social deficit, then that of language, and thus the role of cognitive deficits emerged. The discovery of the importance of the basic components of intersubjectivity such as imitation, cognitive attention, and taking turns in the development of the capacity for mutual social interactions has once again drawn attention to the role of socialization difficulty. This work, centered on interpersonal difficulties in autism and similar disorders, is based on the conviction that the three areas of deficit are interlinked in a circular way. The purpose of this book is to suggest ideas, especially appropriate for children between the ages of two and ten, to encourage the development of skills in the area of relationships within a serene framework of alliance with the child in need. The book was born from many years of direct experience in the treatment and education of children and in collaboration with their parents. Being able to enter into contact with your child is the most felt necessity when communication is difficult, if not impossible; especially when life with the child involves behavior problems, physical fatigue, or seriously limited social activities. In this book, teachers, parents and therapists will find ideas to create games that, properly organized and planned within a clear structure and linked to interventions in other areas, will help adults and children to develop the capacity for social interaction.