Reflections on play: recollections from a mother and her son with Asperger syndrome

This is a personal account of the play behaviors of an individual who has autism as remembered by himself and his mother. Jean-Paul Bovee explains the activities that were enjoyable for him and which were his play, although they were unusual and may not fit the typical definition of play. His mother, Dr Julie A. Donnelly, tells of her attempts to involve Jean-Paul in typical play and how important play is as a bridge to social skills and involvement with peers. Jean-Paul concludes that his play is a part of the unique individual he has become.