This book helps you answer those questions. The play discussed ranges from the very basic - tickle games or rough and tumble - to the more complex, such as helping to model imaginative play for the child. Processes are broken down into small, achievable steps that the child can then combine to get results you might previously have thought were beyond him/her. For imaginative play, for instance, one might devise a short, simple story and put it in book form, then act it out with models, then let the child act it out, then wait to see if they move on to acting out stories of their own invention. It's concrete, it's practical and it works. Perhaps as importantly, it's immensely therapeutic also for a parent of an autistic child: if, over the months and years leading to the diagnosis and subsequently, your child has been turned in your eyes into a medical problem or educational project, this will help you rediscover them as a child and learn again to have fun with them. Buy the book, help the child and feel yourself grow more cheerful as well.

A must for a parent of a child under 5
Review date: 2004-07-04 Rating: 10 out of 10

This was the first book I read when we suspected our child was autistic at the age of 2. By the time we got the diagnosis I had already implemented many of the simple play ideas in the book and was getting results. My son is now 4 and making good progress but I still go back to the book for more help and understanding as he moves forward. Everywhere you will read early intervention is the key, but if you want to make a start on your own while waiting for help, this book is a must. I would especially say its good for the under 5. This book shows that parents can make a differnece in a practical set out book.

A useful book
Review date: 2003-09-18 Rating: 8 out of 10

Despite its delightful title, I was frightened that this was going to be another "Aren't I a wonderful parent" book. Instead, it is a book with many practical ideas, in particular for parents of children who have just been diagnosed and children who have a functional age below 10. Although my son received his diagnosis 5 years ago now, I found several useful new ideas. All the playing suggestions are well worked through and describe in detail how you can make a sucess of a play situation. It is also very encouraging to learn that you are not a failure if your child walks away after 30 seconds but this is a valid base on which to build. There is also a useful list of suppliers of playing material at the back for readers in the UK and North America. I would recommend this book to all parents who are looking for new play ideas for there autism spectrum child.

A useful and supportive book
Review date: 2003-09-17 Rating: 8 out of 10

Despite its delightful title, in the beginning I was frightened it would be another "aren't I the perfect parent" book. Nothing of the kind: it was a very practical book full of useful ideas. It is suitable for children at all levels, but more suitable for younger children (that is, children who have just been diagnosed). My son is 8 and was diagnosed 5 years ago but I found useful tips and also support for what I am doing (in my rather haphazard way). In addition, Julia Moore is good in providing support when you feel like giving up when your child walks away after 30 seconds: she shows how you can build on even a very small display of interest (with bribery if necessary!). The list of suppliers of suitable toys is also useful. I would particularly recommend it for parents of newly diagnosed children but also for parents with children with a functioning level under 10.

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