Safety and trusted social supports are what must be in place before mammals, especially humans, will be inclined toward play activities. And, social play is one way to significantly boost the capacity to learn.
At this point in the year, when many children and their families return to school, there are a few things to remember:
1- Many activities pace with the academic calendar, so all patients tend to be affected at this time of the year
2- Play supports learning
3- It is normal for the inclination toward play to take time while the social supports are being established
4- Reciprocal play and interaction activities done as part of mental health treatment support patients in engaging in play and social activities with others
5- It is important to understand that sexual abuse of children impedes their ability to engage in play and social activities, especially with peers who would be safest. When this behavior of continually selecting peers who are risk-intensive is observed, sexual abuse may be a factor.
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References:
Panksepp, J. & Biven, L. (2012). The Archaeology of mind: Neuroevolutionary origins of human emotions. New York, NY: Norton (pp. 552-355).
Stephen Porges (2011). Polyvagal theory: Neurophysiological foundations of emotions, attachment, communication, and self-regulation.