ABSTRACT
Consistent with Sheridan's original focus, this chapter will consider play and atypical development. It presents some examples of atypical development, how these may impact on children's play and the way in which play could be tailored to suit individual needs. In addition, it includes a discussion of variation in play according to gender, culture and adversity. The chapter highlights some of the key issues relating to play according to gender, culture, atypical development and adversity. It considers the value of understanding variation apparent in play in relation to professional play practice and providing for play. Cultural variation is also evident in the emphasis placed on play within education. In China, play was historically seen as recreational rather than educational and not related to intellectual development. Globalization and an increasingly multicultural society are also reflected in children's play. Gender influences and is manifested in children's play behaviour in much the same way as culture.
