Peer Play and the Autism Spectrum - 2nd Edition by Pamela J Wolfberg (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Support autistic children in shared play with peers using this evidence-based curriculum!

Countless children on the autism spectrum spend too much time alone. Without the necessary guidance, they are especially vulnerable to being excluded from their peer group and leading impoverished play lives. First published 20 years ago, this practical guide offers an introduction to the basic principles, tools, and techniques that make up the Integrated Play Groups.^(R) (IPG) model.

Pamela Wolfberg has translated theory into effective and meaningful practice, giving practitioners, parents, and other caregivers the knowledge and skill to start inclusive peer play groups for children at school, home, and in community settings. The second edition has new research and is heavily influenced by the neurodiversity movement. And while aspects of the IPG model have been updated from earlier versions of this work, the original principles and practices are still the same.

It is inspired from deep engagement with people who identify as autistic or neurodivergent, including professionals, scholars, students, advocates, friends, and family members.

Review Quotes

"The Integrated Play Groups (IPG) model draws on multiple theoretical perspectives, current research, and best practices to provide opportunities for children with autism to experience and learn within the culture of ALL children - play. This field manual provides abundant guidelines and details to implement the play groups in a variety of settings. This is a wonderful resource for families and professionals. A 'must' for anyone who is interested in supporting the peer play experience of children with autism." -- Jane R. Wegner, PhD, director, Schiefelbusch Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic, Intercampus Program in Communicative Disorders, University of Kansas

"This is a wonderful user-friendly resource for parents and educators who understand that quality intervention for young children with autism must include play! Based on award-winning research, Pamela Wolfberg offers practical guidelines for developing Integrated Play Groups. Her assessment, hands-on activities, and detailed strategies give us the tools we need to build fun and meaningful play opportunities for children. This book is another 'must have' on my short list of recommended resources." -- Kathleen Quill, PhD, Autism Institute, Boston, Massachusetts

"Here is finally a book about developing social and imaginative play - not only play skills - in children with autism. Pamela Wolfberg beautifully lays out the importance of social and peer play in the lives of all children, and clearly and comprehensively describes the means to foster the development of social communication and play for children with autism who most need it. The descriptions of the steps involved are so clear and easy to follow, and the resources provided are so rich and specific that the easy implementation of the IPG model hides the wealth of information and depth of experience that is distilled into this book." -- Mimi W. Lou, PhD, clinical director, Children's Hospital Autism Intervention (CHAI), Children's Hospital & Research Center, Oakland, California