Must Reads for Interventions

The Out of Sync Child Has Fun

My favorite book with good old-fashioned activities that anyone can do, regardless of where they are or who they are with. I had forgotten about playing "airplane" until I read this book and remembered how much fun it was to play when I was little. Not sure if you remember playing it, but its when the adult lays on the ground, lifts the child in the air with their legs so the child gets the feeling they are flying like an airplane. I love using this in therapy with my 3 year olds. You also get a great leg work-out as an added benefit :0

I always recommend this book to my parents so that they get some useful ideas for play at home or elsewhere. Each chapter is based on the sensory systems and activities you can use with your child.

The New Language of Toys

This is an updated version of the book I currently have. So glad they wrote a new version, but the older one was great using older toys that some of us penny-pinching teachers still use in therapy. The book is broken down into developmental ages and provides language-rich vocabulary the caretaker can use when playing. Basically, it helps those of us who get stuck with ideas of what we can say when playing with the kids. And yes, I struggle with my own son as to what I say when playing Star Wars or the other imaginative games an 8 year old boy enjoys playing. Never fear though, Logan loves to direct the play by telling me exactly what to say, do, and how to let him end up being the hero!

The Late Talker

This is a great book for parents who are concerned that their child could have apraxia. I have borrowed this book, and yes I need to return it to one of my awesome parents ASAP! It walks the parent through every aspect of getting help, what works best, insurance, and characteristics to watch for.

Engaging Autism

Based on the Floortime Approach by Dr. Stanley Greenspan, this book gives caretakers a wealth of information to use with children to develop an engaging program for therapy. I love the Floortime Approach because it is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Each program is based on the individual child and identifying his developmental stage so that therapy is tailored to meet his needs. This approach uses bits and pieces from some of the well-known therapy techniques used to get our kids talking and interacting with others. I could go on and on, but will say this book is just the beginning of being introduced to Dr. Greenspan's approach. You would want to check out the ICDL site for more info.