Building Play Skills in Children with Autism

Children with autism often lack the ability to play with toys and games. Instead, they show restricted or repetitive play. Occupational therapists are experts in building skills for daily life through play-based activities. Play skills are important for building fine and gross motor, social, and thinking skills that last a lifetime. Learn why play is important and what you can do TODAY to help increase your play ability.

Cara Koscinski earned her post-professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy, Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy, and BS in Health Sciences. Cara has been a therapist since 1997. She is a professor at the University of Saint Augustine’s MOT and OTD programs. She currently provides occupational therapy services, advocacy, and consultations as The Pocket Occupational Therapist and specializes in autism, Sensory Processing Disorder, behavior, and social skills training. Cara has appeared on CBS on Anderson Cooper Live and has been published in Autism Asperger’s Digest, Autism Spectrum Quarterly, APFED, Something Special Magazine, and NewsLine, among others. Cara has published six books about helping children with special needs.

By attending, participants can:

• Define types of play and how each is important to your child’s development.
• List ways to help your child use play to build skills.
• Build relationships with children through play activities.