Autismo e interventi abilitativi e riabilitativi. Il Denver Model

The article examines a specific model of care designed for preshool children with autism spectrum disorders: the denver model. This is a therapeutic approach that aims to develop the social - emotional and communication skills, which are usually compromised in an autistic person, through an intervention that focuses on the social context in which the child is integrated. The main aim is to bridge the learning deficits caused by the inability to access the relationship with other, by including the child in experiential courses which foster social relationship and interaction. The autors dwell on the metodology adopted by the Denver Model and apply with method to the italian school scenario. The article concludes by stressing the significance of the education relationship and the role of play in the development of social skills of the individual with autism.