March/April 2001 Table of Contents
Children with disabilities also love to play and a disability does not automatically mean that a child will have difficulty playing. We do know, however, that some disabilities present challenges in play.
Some examples of these challenges include:
- physical limitations, which make it difficult for children to play with some toys or equipment,
- limited social skills, which may lead to difficulties playing with peers, and/or
- attention problems, which challenge children to stay focused on a game or other play activity.
When parents say play is a problem, occupational therapists* take it seriously. We will provide assessment and/or treatment services, focusing on play in different ways, such as…
- Using play as a means to an end. Play activities can
help children develop skills for the job of living; for example, we may use different toys and play materials to encourage a child to develop fine or gross motor skills, problem solving abilities, etc. - Promoting specific play skills; for example, we may suggest that children participate in an activity group to develop social play skills with peers.
- Encouraging children's playfulness, or their approach to
different activities. We may help them to develop a more
playful approach which often leads to feelings of success
and confidence.* Occupational therapists view play as the primary occupation of childhood. We recognize that play includes children's actions (their play skills) and their approach or attitude towards an activity (which is called playfulness), as well as the environment (the people, the space and the things) in which children play.
Did you know?
Play allows children to suspend reality, i.e. play "make believe".
When children play, they are free from rules, they can do activities in
"non-serious" ways, and they can do what they want with objects
and toys, as long as it is safe.
Promote play and playfulness by…
- Providing old clothes and hats for dress-up, and letting
children's imagination lead the way.- Allowing children to experiment with different objects, for example a banana may be a telephone.
- Providing children with objects that encourage many uses, for example, blankets, boxes, etc.
Children need some control over a play situation.
Play provides children with control by allowing them to make, and learn,
from their choices. A key to encouraging "playfulness" in
children is to make sure they are motivated to do the activity. Few children
choose an activity in which they are not interested.
Promote play and playfulness by…
- Giving them choices and time to play by themselves as this is when they will try new things and learn about themselves and the world around them.
People, things, place and time all affect play.
Occupational therapists are often asked by parents to adapt the play environment;
for example we may suggest placing toys within easy reach, using velcro
on dress-up clothes or simplifying the rules of a game.
Promote play and playfulness by…
- Providing familiar toys and introducing new ones when children are ready.
- Not expecting children to play easily until they know one another; start with easy activities to build friendships.
- Making sure children are safe at all times; check equipment and tables and chairs for safety as well as comfort.
- Picking times when children are not tired and therefore easily frustrated.
- Letting the children lead; if you are present - ask don't tell - be a player not a leader.
More strategies can be found on www.otworks.com. If you have a specific question, take advantage of the Ask An OT Service also available on this web site.
Written by Debra Stewart and Deb Cameron, with assistance from Nancy Pollock, Sandra Sahagian Whalen and Heather Marrin (REACH Therapy Services).
March/April 2001 Table of Contents
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