The creation of space to existence: therapeutic playful space

Abstract

This article gives an account of the path carried out by the "Therapeutic Playful Space", an assistance service to children and adolescents mentally handicapped and with global disorders in their development. In its Laboratory of Studies on Deficiency and Daily Routine in the Occupational Therapy Course much has been done since its creation in 1996 up today. It's a work developed by and by, aiming new experiences trying to include these people in more amplified social areas, through therapeutic groups, activity shops, therapeutic reinforcements, activities in the community, such as, schools, cultural and sports centers, home assistance etc. Besides all this support, the "Therapeutic Playful Space" has also become a centre of education and researches, trying to form professionals involved in the problem of inclusion of handicapped children and adolescents.