Q&A

What is PLAY Project?

It is a relationship-based and developmental intervention based on the first 6 levels of Stanely Greenspan’s DIR/Floortime model (Dr. Rick who is the founder of the PLAY Project was mentored by Dr. Greenspan). It allows parents to become a vital part intervention and keep progress going between sessions. After 18 years as a practicing speech-language pathologist, I have found an efficient and effective approach that I believe in and am excited about. It was developed to address the problem of too few providers (i.e., it’s efficient), it is cost effective (possibly free through preschool services), it empowers families, and is EVIDENCE BASED. This is NOT another Instagram ad promising you miracles for nothing. P.L.A.Y. takes time, persistence, and practice, but the results are worth it. More meaningful engagement and more connection to help move your child progress along the developmental continuum. Best of all, you won’t do it alone. You will have a PLAY Project Consultant there guiding you along the path. You will:

  • learn about your child’s development and the developmental progression

  • identifying your child’s sensory motor preference preferences to create meaningful play activities to engage and increase engagement

  • learn how to enter your child’s comfort zone activities

  • see your child and their play through a whole new lens

  • learn specific strategies and activities to make each interaction a good interaction.

  • be offered individualized support through print, video, and in person coaching

What is required of me?

PLAY sessions can occur as frequently as weekly and as infrequently as monthly. The expectations of participating in the PLAY Project:

  1. You must allow (provide signed permission) video recordings at least one time monthly of adults and the child. These videos are used to provide written and video feedback for you. It is also a part of the P.L.A.Y. Project licensing process to assure each P.L.A.Y. Consultant in Training is following the program with fidelity. The videos will only be seen by you, the PLAY consultant, and possibly the PLAY consultant’s supervisor. No video or video clips will be shared on the website/social media.

  2. Being open to the coaching process and having FUN! This is not speech therapy you sit and watch. You will be an active participant. Research has shown that parents/caregivers can be taught to implement PLAY principals with fidelity! It’s a strength-based system for children and for adults meant to meet you where you are and focus on what’s going well and how we can have more and longer, meaningful, and playful moments.

  3. A commitment to the work. Up to 15-20 hours of P.L.A.Y. intervention weekly. This sounds like a lot, but these sessions can be 15 minutes here and 20 minutes there. What starts out feeling like work will quickly turn into a natural way to interact. P.L.A.Y. follows the child’s lead and is meant to be enjoyable at all times!

  4. The child should be age 6 or younger. Though P.L.A.Y. works at any age to address foundational skills, it is an early intervention created to address the growing problem of limited services in early intervention and preschool.

Does my child have to have a formal diagnosis of Autism to participate in P.L.A.Y.?

No! The P.L.A.Y. Project is an early intervention program meant to address the foundational developmental needs for children. It was designed for children on the ASD spectrum, but any child who has challenges engaging in reciprocal play interactions can benefit from P.L.A.Y. Whether you are contemplating making an appointment with a developmental pediatrician, are on the waiting list, or have had your appointment, P.L.A.Y. Project principals, activities and strategies could still be a great part of your treatment plan.

Have more questions? Feel free to submit them along with your name and email when you sign up for the informational meeting or reach out via email at andrea@bridgespeechtherapy.com