Product Review

Play to Grow: Over 200 games designed to help your special child develop fundamental social skills, is an incredibly rich manual for parents and professionals to help promote meaningful social interaction for children with autism or other developmental delays. The games are divided according to five stages of development and each game addresses a very specific goal within each stage. All of the games are tried-and-true, kid and parent tested, and are designed to inspire any child with common motivators, such as; humor, anticipation, music and physical stimulation. Many games also have tips and variations so it can be adapted for children with different interests. Play to Grow! is not only a list of games, it is also a guide for parents and professionals on how to execute the games effectively. The book outlines the eight essential elements (both relating to attitude and technique) that contribute to successful playing. It also includes the "ideal recipe" in making up new games so that parents and professionals can use this book as a springboard to invent games of their own. Every detail is taken into consideration to help make play most successful, including how to help kids who are easily distracted stay focused in your game. The authors write, "Above all else, make your play fun. Use your play to create a deep and meaningful connection with your child, because ultimately, there is no skill more important than your child's desire and ability to connect with another person. Achieving this close connection will open many doors, and it is from this desire that all other skills will grow."