About this item
LEARNING THROUGH PLAY One of the best ways for children with autism, Asperger's, and sensory processing disorders to learn is through play. Children improve their motor skills, language skills, and social skills by moving their bodies and interacting with their environment. Yet the biggest challenges parents, teachers, and loved ones face with children on the autism spectrum or with sensory processing disorders is how to successfully engage them in play. Pediatric occupational therapist Tara Delaney provides the answer. In 101 Games and Activities for Children with Autism, Asperger's, and Sensory Processing Disorders, she shows you how to teach your children by moving their bodies through play. These interactive games are quick to learn but will provide hours of fun and learning for your child.
About the Author
Tara Delaney is an occupational therapist MS OTR/L who has been practicing for more than twenty years. She has advanced training and education in the practices of sensory integration, therapeutic listening, visual-perception, and visual-vestibular integration. Tara holds joint Bachelors of Science degrees from the University of Texas and the University of Texas Health Science Center in Biology and Occupational Therapy. She went on to conduct research at the Harry Harlow Primate Lab at the University of Wisconsin, Madison while obtaining a Masters of Science in Therapeutic Science. Tara then interned in pediatrics at The Waisman Center, where she gained experience at the cerebral palsy, autism, and genetics clinics, as well as in local public schools. It was there that Tara first saw the benefits of working collaboratively with speech pathologists, early educators, physical therapists, psychologists, and physicians. She was also part of a leadership training program sponsored by The Mother and Child Welfare Grant through The Waisman Center in Madison.
Tara founded BabySteps in 1998, which served schools with occupational therapy needs in the Austin, Texas area. BabySteps was reestablished in Sacramento, California in 2002 with a continued focus on serving local area schools. In the years that followed, BabySteps expanded rapidly to offer speech therapy, educational psychology, and school nursing. It is now an award-winning and thriving practice. On top of running her own business, Tara is an active occupational therapist specializing in sensory integration, autism, ADHD, and learning disabilities. She is commissioned regularly by school systems to work closely with early education teachers on ideas to promote integrated learning environments in the classroom. She has developed programs that incorporate the developmental and educational needs of school children.
Tara regularly conducts seminars on sensory integration, child development, autism, and behavioral issues for school systems as well as for parent and therapy organizations. She is a member of the National Occupational Therapy Association, the Occupational Therapy Association of California, Sensory Integration International, and the International Adoption Family Network Organization.
Tara lives in Sacramento, California with her husband, Bill, and their two children, Maggie and Liam. She enjoys listening to NPR, reading books, wine tasting with friends, traveling, and, of course, playing with kids!
