Abstract

Learning to roller skate or ride a bike should be an enjoyable experience, but for a child with developmental co-ordination disorder (DCD, also known as dyspraxia), these activities can lead to frustration and failure. Can't Play Won't Play is full of practical information, tips and hints to enable children with DCD to access and enjoy activities that other children take for granted.

Whatever game you choose to try with your child, this book will offer handy hints for developing the necessary skills to make it a fun and rewarding experience. From football and rugby to swimming, skipping and skating, the advice covers all the regular childhood activities as well as games to improve physical organization and social skills. The authors provide useful equipment lists and safety tips, and include photographs and diagrams to demonstrate the activities. The delightful illustrations add to the book's appeal, making it a friendly and accessible guide to dip into when you are in need of inspiration.

Can't Play Won't Play is an essential resource for parents, teachers and all those working with children with DCD.

Written by an occupational therapist and a physiotherapist - both very experienced, this book will be of immense value to partents/carers with a child who has dyspraxia/developmental coorderination disorders, as well as the practictioners involved in their care.
International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation
Sharon Drew is an Occupational Therapist with a passion for providing practical support for children with living and learning difficulties. She has written several professional textbooks as well as a children's book entitled Jack and the Disorganised Dragon. Elizabeth Atter is a physiotherapist with 25 years' experience of working with children and is passionate about enabling children and young people to engage in physical activity for a healthy life. Both of the authors have experience of teaching professionals and the public at national and international levels.
This is a marvellous book intended for a lay audience, particular parents. This means that despite the fact it is written by two health professionals it is refreshingly jargon free and extremely user friendly in its layout and style. If you are working with any parents who have children with motor coordination problems this is the book to refer them to for practical suggestions about not only what they can do to help their son or daughter but also how to do it (in nice easy baby steps). If you are wondering if the parent you are working with is doing all he or she could to help, or is really going to be able to meet the developmental needs of their 'special child', then this book should help you to make this assessment.
CAFCASS
This book is unique because it focuses entirely on encouraging physical fitness through play and social activities, rather than on prescriptive exercises. Developing skills such as riding a bike, swimming and skating will not only help to improve children's fitness, but will enable them to play alongside their peers.
Children & Young People Now