Play Therapy books and resources

Narrative Approaches in Play with Children

Ann Cattanach

Narrative play is a way of communicating with children using imaginative stories and narratives to share and make sense of life events. This book describes using narrative play therapeutically with children who have lived in multiple families, children who have problems with social understanding and children who have learning difficulties.

First Steps in Intervention with Your Child with Autism

Frameworks for Communication

Phil Christie, Elizabeth Newson, Wendy Prevezer and Susie Chandler
Illustrated by Pamela Venus

One of the major difficulties for children with autism is in developing communication and language. The earlier this problem is addressed, the more effectively these skills can be improved.

Inspired by research and clinical practice, this book addresses communication and language development of children with autism, from teaching non-verbal communication such as pointing, to moving towards spoken language. This book champions initial intervention with children at an early stage of communication, but the many practical ideas and strategies can also be usefully applied to children of school age, if they are at an early stage of communication.

First Steps in Intervention With Your Child With Autism is perfect for parents looking to understand their child better and, in turn, help improve their child's development and communication. This will also be a useful reference for all professionals working to support families with a child on the autism spectrum.

Fun with Messy Play

Ideas and Activities for Children with Special Needs

Tracey Beckerleg

Funny smells, sticky hands and squishy textures are all part of the way in which children develop sensory awareness. Fun with Messy Play is an exciting activity book that heightens the sensory perception of children with special needs through the imaginative use of everyday `messy' materials like baked beans, condensed milk, jelly or glue.

Play as Therapy

Assessment and Therapeutic Interventions

Edited by Karen Stagnitti and Rodney Cooper

While paediatric healthcare professionals view play as the treatment tool of choice for children under school age, the theory and practice underpinning play-based therapeutic approaches often remain less clear to individual practitioners. Paediatric intervention approaches are increasingly being questioned, and individual practitioners constantly asked to provide evidence-based practice. In response, a more coherent understanding and fresh discussion on children's play and utilisation of play for therapeutic purposes is needed, especially as societal expectations and lifestyles change.

Social Skills Games for Children

Deborah M. Plummer
Illustrated by Jane Serrurier

Praise for the author:
'Deborah Plummer uses imagination and empowerment to move children and adults from discouragement to success.'
- The Canadian Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Review

Play for Sick Children

Play Specialists in Hospitals and Beyond

Catherine Hubbuck

Play for Sick Children offers a unique insight into the crucial work of the play specialist. It examines the repurcussions of being ill and receiving treatment experienced by children and their families, and highlights the importance of receiving quality play opportunities to counter these...