Social and Communication Skills; a Therapy session example

As part of my role as a child therapist, I often work with children with ASD or social communication difficulties providing play therapy sessions to help build upon these skills. Although each therapy package is tailored to meet the child's individual needs I work on the same basic principles when working with this client group. Recently , one of the families I work with was kind enough to photograph and document one on my sessions so I could share with you all how I work!

Cars and Trains: 

Within this session I used cars and trains and other vehicles to work on my clients turn taking skills and imaginative play. Luckily my client's little sister loves to play as well so we work on both children having turns with the vehicles, we narrate our play and I create themes such as trains falling off the track or the cars 'bumping' so we check the passengers are ok! And of course, when passing vehicles back and forth we concentrate on eye contact! 

Sensory Balls! 
Following on from turn taking, using sensory balls are a fantastic motivating way to encourage turn taking skills, to practice following instructions and shared enjoyment ! 

Play Dough! 

Play Dough is great tool for explorative play, to work on sensory discovery and imaginative play! It encourage's children to choose (by giving different colour options) and confidence building! 

Sensory Time!!!!

Again, focusing on explorative and discovery play - sensory time is a great way to do this. Dependent on the child I use a range of different toys - with this client we enjoy searching for stars in lentils! This activity helps my client focus, follow instructions and explore different textures. 

Bubbles and Balloons!!!

I always end my sessions playing with bubbles and balloons! We work on obtaining eye contact , following a point and requesting more with these activities , and mainly because its a fun way to end a session :) 

If you think your child would benefit from therapy with myself then please do not hesitate to get in touch! I am currently fully booked for July but you can add your child's name to my August Waiting List.