Abstract:

Non-directive therapy is not very popular in Poland, as a kind a therapy offered for children with autism disorder. Some years ago, parents who wanted to use this kind of therapy searched for it abroad. Nowadays we can observe dynamic changes in the field of therapeutic methods and therapeutic centres which offer wider help for children with autism. As an example we can use The Growth Through Play System (GPS), which was created and developed by Kat Houghton. GPS joinis well-known and verified elements of non-directive programs. It is basied on relations and brain knowledge in order to match appropriate actions in the field of social, communication and cognitive development. The Growth Through Play System (GPS) is based first of all on assumption that autism is a kind of social relations disorder. The Key role in GPS plays the so called “help” through initiation of spontaneous relations with other people.
According to GPS rules the initiatives of relations should be done at the adequate time. Effectiveness of such a therapy depends mainly on child’s motivation and condition of his sensorial system. Researchers stress, that GPS is flexible. It can be used as a complete therapeutic program for children with autism. It can be also used as a complement of other methods. The GPS therapy can be provided both by therapist and parents at home.

The author analysed literature covered the non-directive therapy in autism. Growth Through Play System was used as an example. Both advantages and disadvantages were identified. Parents opinions were presented in the article as well.

Keywords:

Non-directive therapy, autism, Growth Through Play System.