Early identification through play
The complexity and dynamic interrelationship of multiple risk factors makes ecological, multi-dimensional and multi-domain approaches less than straightforward. Play, however, is the promise of such approaches because, in play, children perform to the best of their abilities, reveal the challenges they may experience, and receive immediate feedback and support from peers and adults to unfold their potential. Play offers the context in which we can identify and determine a child’s current level of learning and development; recognize her/his potential for learning and development; identify the skills that the child needs to reach that potential, determine the support required from adults and/ or peers. Indeed, research has shown that children’s level of involvement and engagement in play are important indicators of their current development and predictors of their potential. In general children who experience difficulties
and/or have been identified as having special or additional needs, show less complex play behaviors. They interact more with adults and less with other peers and play materials; when social toys are available, cooperative play and peer interaction increase but, in general, children with potential addition needs display low- level play activity