TCD Lecture on Play for Children with Special Needs

Posted on: 02 June 2006

Children’s play should be taken seriously was the key message of a public lecture organised by the Department of Occupational Therapy in Trinity College on May 31 last. The lecture was given by world leading occupational therapist, Professor Paula Kramer, of the University of Sciences in Philadelphia.

Play is crucial to how children learn and develop on physical, emotional and psychological levels. While play is normally a natural part of most children’s daily life, for children with learning disabilities it is often more difficult. They can have difficulty manipulating toys, maintaining attention, forming friendships and playing with other children. It is therefore very important that these children have opportunities to engage in such play experiences.

During the lecture, Professor Paula Kramer discussed how parents, early educators and occupational therapists could support play for children with special needs. She outlined how we could influence a child’s engagement in play experiences and how central this is to promoting positive self esteem and sense of self. The lecture was in a workshop format and included discussions on children who have physical, sensory and/or learning disabilities. It also included some practical ideas for participants

While Dr Kramer’s talk focused on children with special needs, the message was relevant to all children and parents. Following on from the lecture was a two-day conference on play (June 1 and 2) organised by the Department of Occupational Therapy, TCD.