While primarily directed at parents and carers, the book is relevant to a much broader readership; indeed it would be a valuable addition to the bookshelf of any early years practitioner, playworker, teacher or teaching assistant within the primary phase of education. -- NASEN Special
`...an approachable and practical edition that will be welcomed by parents and carers alike. I know how hard it can be to find "How to" resources for parents. Well here is a gem.' -- Children, Young People and Families
`As a parent of a child with a diagnosis of autism, Julia Moor is eminently qualified to write such a book. In addition, she has a psychology degree and a career working with adults with learning difficulties. She has created an approachable and practical edition, which will be welcomed by parents and carers alike. I know how hard it can be to find `how to' resources for parents. Well here is a gem.' -- Occupational Therapy Team St Dominic's School
`The book is well organised, simply written, and it avoids jargon and technical terminology. It is full of wonderful and practical ideas such as "structuring your day by creating a visual diary" or "picture prompts for playing with toys." There is a specific section on tabletop games that provides some fun ways to introduce tabletop play such as puzzles or provide an activity box. Outdoor play, water play, and taking turns in play also have chapters devoted to ideas, which make the play personally engaging and enjoyable for all. There is a section on music which includes scripts to rhythm (encouraging songs) and a section on relaxation "which gives them a tool for later life" (p.93). Throughout the book, engagement is an important aspect of all the activities presented.' -- International Journal of Disability, Development & Education
`This book is written for parents but invaluable for all those working with children on the Autistic Spectrum. It is a book of practical and imaginative ideas and activities based on the tried and tested principles of various familiar approaches to autism... I can thoroughly recommend it.' -- AFASIC News Summer 2003
`The book's contents are derived from a survey of over 100 parents of children with a diagnosis of autism. Its aim is to empower parents to fill their child's day with play--based activities carried out by those who know the child best. This positive book bursts with ideas on different types of structured play.' -- Bulletin Apr. 2003 issue 612
Parents of young children newly diagnosed as autistic will appreciate a new book: Playing, Laughing and Learning with Children on the Autism Spectrum. It shows how to gain a child's attention and motivation and start to build on small achievements.
The use of case studies illustrates how problems of ritual and obsession can be redirected positively and shows how to overcome communication barriers using picture cards.
- New Generation
`I described the book as exciting because Julia Moor helps the reader to play from the perspective of the child with autism and shows us how the activities we value may be of interest, frustrating or even frightening for the child. She suggests ways to encourage the child's attention and motivation by breaking down the activities into manageable stages and building on small achievements. Most importantly - finding ways to reach the child, to explain what we would like him to do, and to negotiate a balance between the learning activity and what the child really wants to do (tickling, bubbles watching an video, etc.)'.
-- Update Newsletter & Action for Leisure
