"Scientists have recently determined that it takes 400 repetitions to create a new synapse in the brain - unless it is done with PLAY, in which case, it takes between 10 and 20 REPETITIONS! "
Dr. Karyn Purvis
Neurodivergent play
Do you ever wonder why some may say that autistic and ADHDers play “wrong”? This might look like: -spinning wheels on toys -lining up toys -repeating actions (eg. opening and closing containers) -playing alone If we are forcing our ideas onto kids, are they really ‘playing?’
Neurodivergent Play Strategies
Narrate - comment on the object or what they are doing eg. “blue car” / “blue in”
Follow their lead - copy what they are doing with your own toy
Respect their interests - don’t force them to engage in non-preferred play
Model / make small adjustments - introduce and/or show them an action with a toy which is different to what they are doing.
See if they try it too, but if they don’t accept it, leave it be.
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