New Play Method Helps Social Skills In Children With Autism

More awareness helps to promote understanding and acceptance of Autism--a behavioral health problem that's estimated to affect 1 in 68 children throughout the United States. A recent study looks at how a new play method may enhance social skills among children dealing with the medical problem. 

For the study, researchers examined "Integrated Play Groups," that focus on collaborative rather than adult-directed activities that are significantly more efficient for teaching autistic children the skills needed to interact with peers.

The latest study involved 48 children with autism. Researchers found that integrated play groups helped boost their ability to engage in pretend play.

"Children learn much better how to play through interactions with peers than they do from adults, because adults are not like children anymore," Wolfberg said in a news release. "We can definitely have wonderful interactions with kids through play, and we should. But this is qualitatively different."

Researchers noted that the method is to encourage autistic children to engage in more symbolic play that involves reciprocal interaction with peers.

"The earthquake-rescue theme is the most popular in San Francisco, and we had a little boy just like that, who had an affinity to bang things," Wolfberg said. "So the kids came up with this idea of building cardboard blocks and having an earthquake, and he was the construction worker. He was able to participate in other kids' interest, build something more elaborate and have a whole fantasy about it."

"This is what families want for their kids," she concluded. "This flips around the idea that kids with autism are incapable of socializing or incapable of pretending. They have the same innate drive to participate with peers and to engage in playful experiences, but what has been happening is we have not been able to tap into their potential."