The PLAY Project: Helping Kids with Autism Thrive
When my friend Sarah first told me about her son’s autism diagnosis, I watched her face crumble with worry. Like many parents, she felt lost and overwhelmed by the endless therapy options and expert opinions.
That’s when I learned about The PLAY Project, and it changed everything I thought I knew about autism intervention.
It puts parents back in the driver’s seat. This evidence-based program teaches families how to use everyday play moments to help their children grow and connect.
What makes it special is how it honors the parent-child bond while providing real, measurable results.
What is The PLAY Project?
The PLAY Project stands for Play and Language for Autistic Youngsters. It’s a home-based intervention program designed specifically for young children with autism, typically between 18 months and 6 years old.
Dr. Richard Solomon, a developmental-behavioral pediatrician, created this approach after noticing that traditional clinic-based therapies weren’t translating to real family life.
The program focuses on improving social interaction, communication, and development through natural play during everyday activities like bath time and meal preparation.
What sets The PLAY Project apart is its emphasis on relationship-building first. Before working on specific skills, the program helps parents become their child’s preferred play partner.
How Does The PLAY Project Work?
The PLAY Project works through a parent-coaching model where certified consultants train families directly in their homes or through online sessions. First, a consultant observes your child’s current play patterns and communication style during daily routines.
Next, the consultant models simple play techniques while you watch – like turning your child’s interest in spinning wheels into conversations about cars. T
Video analysis tracks progress by recording short clips of your play sessions. These videos become treasured keepsakes documenting your child’s growth journey.
Sessions happen weekly or bi-weekly, with consultants gradually reducing visits as parents gain confidence. The goal is to make you the expert on your own child’s learning style.
Key Components and Strategies
The PLAY Project is built on several core principles that guide every interaction with your child. These strategies help create meaningful connections and natural learning opportunities:
- Follow your child’s lead: Notice what captures your child’s attention and build from there, rather than forcing activities or topics. This leads to rich conversations about sounds and residents.
- Build engagement before compliance: Become someone your child wants to spend time with before expecting them to follow directions. This approach flips traditional methods by prioritizing emotional connection over immediate behavioral compliance.
- Create two-way communication: Develop genuine back-and-forth exchanges by waiting longer for responses and treating nonverbal communication as meaningful conversation.
- Develop symbolic play: Help children move beyond manipulating objects to using them in pretend scenarios where blocks become phones or cake. This type of play builds the foundation for language, social skills, and creative thinking abilities.
Benefits and Outcomes of The PLAY Project
The research behind The PLAY Project is compelling, but the real-world results are what truly matter to families. Here’s what studies and parents report about the program’s impact:
| For Children | For Parents | For Families |
|---|---|---|
| Improved social skills and engagement | Decreased stress levels | Cost-effective compared to intensive therapy programs |
| Increased eye contact and emotional connection | Increased parenting confidence | Can begin before a formal autism diagnosis |
| Reduced autism symptom severity | Better understanding of the child’s needs | Fits into everyday family routines |
| More flexible thinking and adaptability | Less overwhelming parenting experience | Strengthened parent-child relationships |
| Better ability to handle routine changes | Skills that last beyond program completion | Sustainable long-term support system |
Who Can Benefit from The PLAY Project?
The PLAY Project is designed for young children with autism or early signs of autism, typically under age 6. However, the principles can be helpful for any child who struggles with social communication or engagement.
Families seeking practical, relationship-based intervention often find this approach particularly appealing. If you’re looking for strategies that fit into your real life rather than requiring hours of driving to appointments, The PLAY Project might be perfect for your family.
The program also works well for families who want to take an active role in their child’s development. Some parents prefer to outsource therapy to professionals, while others want to be directly involved in their child’s progress.
Professionals working with young children with autism can also benefit from certification in The PLAY Project model.
How to Get Started with The PLAY Project
Getting started with The PLAY Project is straightforward, though availability may vary by location. Here are the key steps to begin your family’s journey:
- Find a certified consultant: Visit the official PLAY Project website to locate a trained professional in your area. They’ll discuss your child’s needs and explain the time commitment during your initial contact.
- Schedule your first session: Book either a home visit or an online consultation to begin the assessment process. The consultant will bring necessary materials and start observing your child’s current play patterns.
- Explore funding options: Ask about sliding scale fees or insurance coverage if cost is a concern. Some consultants offer financial assistance, and certain insurance plans may cover the program.
- Consider professional training: If you’re a service provider, access certification information through the official website. The training includes online modules and supervised practice sessions.
Additional Resources
- The Official PLAY Project Website: playproject.org. Find certified consultants, research articles, training opportunities, and program details.
- Research and Evidence: Solomon, R., Necheles, J., Ferch, C., & Bruckman, D. (2007). “Pilot study of a parent training program for young children with autism: The PLAY Project Home Consultation program.” Autism, 11(3), 205–224.
- Parent Testimonials and Stories: Parent Stories on the PLAY Project Website and Local autism support groups and online forums (such as MyAutismTeam and Autism Speaks) often feature real-life experiences with the PLAY Project.
- Professional Training: PLAY Project Consultant Certification and Online and in-person workshops for therapists, educators, and service providers.
- Books and Guides: “Autism: The Potential Within” by Dr. Richard Solomon (founder of the PLAY Project)
Conclusion
The PLAY Project has taught me that the most powerful interventions often happen in the quiet moments between parent and child.
When we learn to see our children’s unique ways of communicating and connecting, we open doors to growth that we never knew existed.
As a mom, I understand the desire to fix everything and make life easier for our children.
But sometimes the greatest gift we can give them is learning to meet them where they are and celebrate their individual journey. The PLAY Project provides a roadmap for doing exactly that.
If you’re considering this approach for your family, trust your instincts. You know your child better than anyone else.
Have you tried The PLAY Project with your family? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments below and connect with other parents on this journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does the Play Project Compare to ABA Therapy?
While both are evidence-based approaches, ABA focuses on discrete skill teaching and behavior modification, while The PLAY Project emphasizes relationship-building and natural learning through play.
What Time Commitment Does the Program Require?
Most parents find they can incorporate the strategies into existing routines rather than adding hours to their day.
Can we Start Before Getting an Autism Diagnosis?
Yes, The PLAY Project can begin even before a formal autism diagnosis. If you have concerns about your child’s development, you don’t need to wait months for evaluations.
