EPISODE 32
The Vital Importance of Play: A Discussion with Dr. Pamela Wolfberg
The Vital Importance of Play: A Discussion with Dr. Pamela Wolfberg
Play the Episode…
…and Continue the Discussion
Do you have a book or podcast club? If so, you may use this discussion guide to facilitate a conversation about this episode.
1) Pamela emphasizes the importance of being a good observer, and not training play based upon neurotypical norms, but creating a play culture that works for autistic children. In your experience, what do these guidelines offer that more inflexible approaches do not?
2) For many years, and unfortunately, still for some professionals, it was thought that autistic children did not have the capacity nor interest in playing. Why do you think that was the case? In your experience, what is the potential detrimental impact of those beliefs on children’s development?
3) Describe some of the basic characteristics of the Integrated Play Groups model as discussed by Pamela. What is the importance and the outcome of creating successful joyful experiences for autistic children and their peers?
Featuring
DR. PAMELA WOLFBERG
Pamela Wolfberg, Ph.D., is a Professor in the Department of Special Education at San Francisco State University where she coordinates Autism Spectrum Studies and serves on faculty for the Joint Doctoral Program with the University of California, Berkeley. She is creator of the Integrated Play Groups® model and co-founder of the Autism Collective for Peer Socialization, Play and Imagination. Pamela’s life’s work centers on the unique experiences of autistic people while advocating for their rights to social inclusion and creative expression in play and other culturally valued experiences with peers. She has an extensive record of publications and an active international agenda leading research, training and global outreach efforts. She is the recipient of many eminent awards for her scholarship, research and service to the community.
Show Notes
Dr. Pamela Wolfberg, a leading expert in understanding and studying play, socialization, and the development of friendships for autistic children. She joins us for a lively discussion that will be of great interest for parents, teachers, and therapists. We learn about her esteemed career during which she provided great insight into the play of autistic children, and developed an internationally recognized, evidence-based approach now being implemented internationally: The Integrated Play Groups model.
For more of Pamela’s work: