As stated in the Abstract of an article by the National Library of Medicine Play therapy in children with autism: Its role, implications, and limitations, play is a pleasurable physical or mental activity that enhances the child’s skills involving negotiation abilities, problem-solving, manual dexterity, sharing, decision-making, and working in a group. Play affects all the brain’s areas, structures, and functions. Children with autism have adaptive behavior, adaptive response, and social interaction limitations. This review explores the different applications of play therapy in helping children with autism disorder. Play is usually significantly impaired in children with autism. Play therapy is mainly intended to help children to honor their unique mental abilities and developmental levels. The main aim of play therapy is to prevent or solve psychosocial difficulties and achieve optimal child-healthy growth and development.
The Article addresses the different stages and types of play (Intrauterine fetal play, Neonatal play, Childhood play, Object play, Pretend play, Physical play, Media play) and provides information on the effect of the Play on the brain, and Play therapy, amongst other information.