Interactive Play for Children with Autism is a comprehensive guide to establishing shared play experiences that assist in the development of communication, social understanding and cognition.This easily accessible book defines the importance of play both developmentally and psychologically as having a major influence on the enrichment of meaningful interactions and children's learning.Diana Seach expertly discusses how play enables children with autism to:- represent their knowledge of the world and their relationships with others- spontaneously explore ways of thinking about themselves and the objects they encounter- develop communication and companionship- discover motivating ways to learn- extend their imagination and creative potentialChapters address these themes by focusing on the educational and therapeutic benefits for children when they are given opportunities to share in the world of play. In developing this understanding, the reader is encouraged to recognise how the establishment of playful interactions can lead to changes in perceptual understanding and emotional responsiveness.Those who live and work with children who have autism and Asperger syndrome will find Interactive Play for Children with Autism an invaluable tool when implementing strategies to develop interactive play in educational establishments, care settings and the family home.