NBCOT Occupational Therapy Certification Practice Exam

Facilitating play among a group of children is particularly effective for improving playground skills in a child with autism spectrum disorder. This approach emphasizes social interaction, which is a key area where children with autism may need support. Engaging in play with peers allows the child to observe and learn from others, promoting the development of vital social skills such as turn-taking, sharing, and communication.

Additionally, playing in a group setting can help the child practice and generalize these skills in a natural environment where peer interactions occur frequently, thereby increasing their comfort and competence in social situations. Incorporating this social aspect into therapy aligns with the goal of fostering inclusion and enhancing the child’s overall experience during playtime.

In contrast, working with the child in an empty playground may limit opportunities for social engagement, and recommending extracurricular activities like ballet may not directly target the specific skills needed for playground interactions. Asking the PE teacher to include the child in small groups might help, but it doesn’t necessarily focus on the play skills in the context of a playground setting, which is crucial for the developmental goals associated with playground interactions.