News: Play-Based Assessment Allows Parents to Participate in Their Child's Intervention Goals

Toni W. Linder, EdD, at the College of Education at the University of Denver, has developed a play-based assessment tool for children with autism. This intervention is less stressful for children because it initially involves playing with their parents and a play partner. The team who assesses the activity and interactions of the child may include an occupational therapist, special education teacher, physical education teacher, and speech pathologist. The parents are able to meet with a school psychologist and the child's goals are agreed upon by everyone. While the assessment team "focuses on five areas of development as defined by Dr. Linder: cognition and general knowledge, sensorimotor, social-emotional, communication and self-help," other traditional therapies may be included to meet school district requirements.

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