Research has shown that a child's social and academic success can be greatly influenced by experiences from infancy and toddlerhood. Despite this knowledge, the importance of infant mental health has only recently been recognized. This book is one of the first to present the major models of play interventions with very young children and their families. In this collection of essays by child development experts, the editors provide a comprehensive guide of the most beneficial effects of play therapy and play for the very young. Regardless of the theoretical orientation of the play therapist, this book will help the clinician to conceptualize the worlds of infants and toddlers, and explain the specific play therapy interventions that can be effectively utilized. Contributors address specific therapies from cultures around the world, including caregiver-toddler play therapy, filial play therapy, mother-infant play, and play based interventions with young children with disabilities and autism. This book is essential for students and professionals who work with very young children.

Contributions by: Sue Ammen, Helen Benedict, Nancy Cohen, Stefan Dombrowski, Ted Gaensbauer, Hilda Glazer, Joy Goldberger, Steve Harvey, Kim Kelsay, Beth Limberg, Toni Linder, Mirek Lojkasek, Liz Muir, Evangeline Munns, Ruth Newton, Jane Robinson, Virginia Ryan, Glenda Short, Richard Solomon, Susan Timmer, Nancy Zebel