Children on the autism spectrum are a high risk for being socially excluded by peers and missing out on essential play experiences. To address these challenges, Learning to Play and Socialize with Peers: Integrated Play Groups Model contributes to a body of work focused on the Integrated Play Groups® (IPG) model. The IPG model is designed to promote socialization, communication, play and imagination Children in the autism spectrum are at high risk of being excluded by their peers and thus missing out on important play experience. To meet the challenges involved, the Integrated Play Groups® (IPG) model has been developed in order to promote children=s socialization, communication, play and imagination. It includes effective and socially validated exercises. In addition to reports on experience with the method, the book also presents some useful aids for ways of showing the affected children how they can learn to play with their peers in an inclusive environment and establish contacts with them.

Dr. Pamela Wolfberg, is Professor of Autism Spectrum Studies at San Francisco State University and Founding Director of the Autism Institute on Peer Socialization& Play, San Francisco, California, USA.