Easter Seals Disability Services

P.L.A.Y. Your Way to Developmental Success

Last fall, Easter Seals began a pilot program called the P.L.A.Y. Project (Play and Language for Autistic Youngsters). The P.L.A.Y. Project is a nationally recognized program developed by Dr. Rick Solomon (a developmental pediatrician), which provides in-home training and support for families of children (18 months-6 years) with Autism Spectrum Disorder. It is a practical, affordable, and family-friendly application of renowned child psychiatrist Dr. Stanley Greenspan’s Developmental, Individual-differences, Relationship-based (DIR) framework; popularly known as “Floortime”.

This is a systematic way of working with a child to climb up the developmental ladder. By making structured monthly visits, consultants train parents to engage their autistic child in ways that promote emotional connection and communication. Parents are encouraged to play with their child a minimum of 15 hours per week. 

The program includes monthly two-hour sessions of modeling and coaching techniques, videotaping and analysis, written evaluations, and family support. The P.L.A.Y. Project integrates well with all forms of intervention, such as, speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, and ABA (applied behavioral analysis). For additional information, please contact Nancy Higgins, MS, CCC-SLP, home consultant at (916)662-8979 or nancyh@essuperior.org.