Improving free play skills of severely retarded children
Wehman, P.; Marchant, J.A.
American Journal of Occupational Therapy Official Publication of the American Occupational Therapy Association 32(2): 100-104
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0272-9490 PMID: 629181 Document Number: 127406
Severely and profoundly retarded children are usually deficient in play skills. Since play facilitates socialization, language, and motor development, it is a vitally improtant skill to acquire. This pilot study examined the effects of a behavioral training program on the autistic, independent, and social types of play of four severely and profoundly retarded children. The training program involved the use of instructions, modeling, physical guidance, and verbal reinforcement. Results indicated that a marked increase in independent and social play occurred with the introduction of the training program with all four children. Occupational therapists can play an increasingly important role in helping educators formulate relevant educational programs for severely retarded children, particularly in the areas of play and motor skill development.