The Cutting Edge
Playgrounds offer natural opportunities for children to spontaneously immerse themselves—body, mind, and spirit—in the joyful and creative pursuit of play. The vital importance of play for children’s learning, development, and socialization with peers is firmly established in more than half a century of research. Although typical children need little direction or motivation to fully participate in playground experiences, many children with special needs encounter obstacles in gaining equal access to these opportunities. . . . Hence, while most children are able to spontaneously explore their environment and engage in a wide range of play activities while socializing beside and with other children, children with autism are at a distinct disadvantage when it comes to playing (both with and without peers). . . .
This paper reports on a pilot evaluation focused on exploring the play patterns of children with autism and typically developing children before and after [specially de-signed] play structures were added to an existing traditional school playground. To read this entire study Subscribe »
Feature Articles
By Max Wiznitzer, M.D.
Renowned pediatric neurologist and autism specialist, Dr. Max Wiznitzer, discusses sleep disturbance AND how to address it.
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By Pamela F. Lewis, Ph.D.
Pamela F. Lewis, Ph.D. brings her expertise in behavioral intervention to bear on the interplay between parental attitudes and child behavior.
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By Danette Schott, M.A.
In this first installment of a three-part article, Danette Schott, founder of S-O-S research—and a parent herself—not only identifies the traps, but also defines the first of three stages that leads to successful outcomes.
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By Katelyn Jolley
Katelyn Jolley, founder of the Facebook group, “Siblings of Autistic Kids,” shares her quest for answers and the wisdom and insights gleaned along the way.
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By Hartley Steiner
A dedicated mom shares her personal story and the steps she took to prepare herself and her children for this most difficult of conversations.
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By Cynthia Ryan, Ph.D.
Readers will find many parallels between the attitudes regarding autism in present-day Nepal and those that prevailed early-on in the USA in this compelling article by Cynthia Ryan, Ph.D.
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Winner! ASQ's "Kids on the Cover" Contest
Find out who will be gracing ASQ’s spring 2012 cover in February!
