I wanna play!

Sometimes as educators or parents we want our children to be "structured" all of the time and we forget about play time. Its apart of a child's behavior for them to want to play. This is where Play Therapy can come in.

Play Therapy is comminly used with children between the ages of 3 and 12. This specific type of therapy is a means for children to express their feelings and emotions in an natural and calm atmosphere. This is usually used to pinpoint the reason for a childs behavior issue. As we know children learn through play, with this children can get to know themselves and others.

The therapy can be conducted with a few children playing and interacting together or one-on-one with a therapist or interventionist. While the child is playing the therapist or interventionist may be able to find the reason for the child's unruly behavior and may be able to work on that behavior while also playing with the child.

I am an advocate for play therapy/intervention. I think this should be implemented into more programs, especially programs in Saudi Arabia. This helps the child break away from their everyday stresses and get a chance to break away from their everyday instruction.

Autism Spectrum: Asperger's Syndrome

There are many forms of Autism disorders, one Autism Disorder is commonly known as Asperger Syndrome.

Asperger Syndrome can be distinguished between the other spectrums of Autism by the lack of delay or deviance in early language development.

Individuals with Asperger Disorder do not have significant or recognizable cognitive delays. In the classroom specifically, children with Asperger Syndrome are able to cognitively keep up with their "typical needs" peers.

Those with Asperger's typically show an obsessive interests in a single topic or activity.

As a result of speech and language issues,  Asperger patients have a hard time interacting with peers.

A little history.......

Asperger Syndrome was named after Austrian pediatrician Hans Asperger, who in 1944 studied and described children (who were his patients) that lacked non-verbal communication skills, showed little to no empathy with peers and were physically clumsy. 50 years later it was categorized as a diagnosis with intervention, interaction and therapy. Most children improve behaviors as they mature into adulthood.

Therapies are ideal for children with Aspergers. Therapies that emphasize on symptoms of the disorder including poor communication skills and obsessive routines are necessary to help the patients build skills.

 To the parents of children with Asperger Syndrome: your role is important! Having understand of your child's needs is vital. Being socially and emotionally connected with your child can reduce tension in your home and make for a supportive, loving parent!