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Research Article
Issue Date: June 1981
Published Online: June 01, 1981
Updated: April 30, 2020
The Therapeutic Use of Games with Mentally Retarded Adults
Gary Kielhofner; Shawn Miyake
Author Affiliations
  • Gary Kielhofner, M.A., Dr.P.H., OTR, is Assistant Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, The Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
  • Shawn Miyake, M.A., OTR, is Coordinator of Training in Occupational Therapy, University Affiliated Facility, Neuropsychiatric Institute, University of California at Los Angeles
Article Information
Rehabilitation, Participation, and Disability / Features
Research Article   |   June 01, 1981
The Therapeutic Use of Games with Mentally Retarded Adults
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, June 1981, Vol. 35, 375-382. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.35.6.375
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, June 1981, Vol. 35, 375-382. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.35.6.375
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Abstract

This article provides conceptualizations of play as a learning and survival behavior and presents findings of a study of the use of games with mentally retarded adults. In this study the aim was to describe both how therapists can use games as therapeutic media and how changes can be observed in the subjects. The study identifies a number of therapeutic strategies that did enhance the play of the subjects. Along with increases in play, improvement in motor behavior, cognitive abilities, affect, attention, self-confidence, and social interaction was observed.