ICan-Play: A Practice Guideline for Assessment and Intervention of Play for Children with Severe Multiple Disabilities

Abstract

The nature of play in children with severe multiple disabilities (SMD) is complex, as many have significant motor and language impairments. Through the use of assistive technology (AT), children with SMD can play more independently and provide input to caregivers on their preferred play repertoire. This author-developed guideline describes an assessment and intervention to improve play in children with SMD using AT methods. The Interactive Child Activity Narrative of Play (iCan-Play) is an assessment tool used to evaluate play in children with SMD. It provides a comprehensive understanding of children’s play preferences, social and environmental contexts, and frequency of play. The iCan-Play assessment results in a play profile and guides a systematic intervention aimed to address barriers and facilitators of play in children with SMD. The goal is to guide therapists on how to expand play, promote developmentally appropriate play, and assist play by creating meaningful and client-centered goals.