The Importance of Play for Children With Autism, Cerebral Palsy, and Intellectual Disability

Abstract

Play is a normal expression in children, which can be influenced by ethnicity, language, religion or other cultural aspects. Play has an exceptional meaning for optimal child development. Its importance is recognized as a fundamental child right. In the developmental process of social skills two dimensions have a crucial role in the game: symbolic and social. Not only is it central, but it is crucial for a child's development, the intense motor and sensory stimulation that results from play helps normal brain development and prevents neuronal loss. On the other hand, the game is not only important for promoting normal child development, it also has invaluable therapeutic power. Play is one of the most beautiful children activity, and it has an invaluable role in their mental, physical, aesthetic, emotional and ethical development, as well as in the development of their identity. Play is also one of the ways to independence, and therefore has a unique place in the life of every child. It is a natural process in which natural conditions allow the child to react easily and show his emotions, moods and desires. That way, the child is equal with other children and can cooperate with them. The main goal of the study was to determine the frequency and type of play activities preferred by children with disabilities, as well as to emphasize the therapeutic power of play. The method of comparative and descriptive analysis and the method of generalization were applied. From the technique’s analysis of the contemporary literature and a scale for assessment of play activities were applied. The sample consisted of 32 children with developmental disabilities aged 7-12 years. The obtained results emphasized the importance of using play therapy in children with disabilities, given that in 72% of respondents, the most common activity is watching TV or using a computer.