Why Play Therapy is a Perfect Option for Children with Disabilities
Working with children who live every day with a disability can be a challenge for both parents and educators. These are children living with something that makes their movement, thought processes, and socialization more difficult than it does for the average child. As a result, specialized therapy care must be safeguarded for these children in order to ensure they are being supported in the same way as their non-disabled peers.
One such solution for children with disabilities is play therapy. Why is the act of playing so beneficial for these kids?
Easy Adaption
Regardless of the disability, it’s safe to say, everyday public is not set up for children with disabilities. Since play therapy is based on the art of actually playing, with other kids, toys, pens, papers, and more, this system can be easily adapted depending the child. It’s one time this child gets to do things in a way that is right and comfortable for them, which in turn will encourage their expression and confidence more than everyday activities.
Personal Expression
Children are more receptive than we give them credit for – typically, a child with a disability will be able to tell they are living with some kind of impairment when compared to their classmate. This realization will hold them back from personal expression, causing them to withdraw and behave shyly instead.
With play therapy, since the play session can be tailored to the child, they will be able to pursue their own form of personal expression that might not happen in the classroom. They will be able to explore what they love, what they can do, and what makes them happy.
Feeling of Acceptance
Countless studies have determined that children living with disabilities frequently feel rejected by their peers. Since they do not “fit in,” they can become sources of bullying and outcast from the regular group of kids. But, when they pick up a toy or start playing in a game that is direct from their imagination, they aren’t being rejected, but rather, accepted for their own personal quirks and what they love to do when they are playing.
While the child is playing, the therapist provides a warm, accepting attitude towards the child, helping them to feel accepted for who they are and what they love – it’s a critical feeling for this child to feel growing up. Although we can’t control how other kids behave, play therapists can control the setting in which they laugh, smile, and play during a play therapy session.
The Center4PlayTherapy
We are a private play therapy located in Brooklyn, New York, determined to work with all children of every disability level. Whether it’s behavioral difficulties, depression, ADHD, trauma, etc., we are able to work with your child, every step of the way, showing them the benefits and acceptance that comes from playing freely.
If you are a parent or an educator and you believe your child could benefit from some play, feel free to contact our team.