Author: Patricia Lopes | Dec 16, 2016
MG is a 4 year old little boy who was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at the age of 1 year 11 months. MG is attending weekly autism intervention sessions with me and his parents are focused on helping their little boy improve.
I have to make mention about MG’s parents who have willingly agreed to let us share this video of him. His father has adjusted his work timings to ensure that M doesn’t miss a session. I sometimes can’t recall the little boy who would only sit on the floor and fling things that were placed on the shelves. Today M sits at the table for work time, uses eye contact and smiles at me!!!
In the video, you can see that I am playing a tickling game with M. He is obviously enjoying the sensation of my fingers running up his forearm and communicates that he wants ‘more’ by extending his arms towards me! This is the base of communication and is one of the best foundations as it is enjoyable, motivating, flexible, does not have any goals imposed and requires the child to actively participate and focus.
Play is not only a tool that pries open all areas of development and attempts to expand them but is a ‘bridge’ between teacher and student.
I have to make mention about MG’s parents who have willingly agreed to let us share this video of him. His father has adjusted his work timings to ensure that M doesn’t miss a session. I sometimes can’t recall the little boy who would only sit on the floor and fling things that were placed on the shelves. Today M sits at the table for work time, uses eye contact and smiles at me!!!
In the video, you can see that I am playing a tickling game with M. He is obviously enjoying the sensation of my fingers running up his forearm and communicates that he wants ‘more’ by extending his arms towards me! This is the base of communication and is one of the best foundations as it is enjoyable, motivating, flexible, does not have any goals imposed and requires the child to actively participate and focus.
Play is not only a tool that pries open all areas of development and attempts to expand them but is a ‘bridge’ between teacher and student.