People often ask how The PLAY Project differs from other autism interventions. The question is worth asking, not because the differences are always obvious from a distance, but because many contemporary approaches have gradually moved toward one another over time. I have watched this evolution from an unusual vantage point. Earlier in my career, I...
By Diane Cullinane M.D. “‘Good job!’ is a phrase used frequently during treatment sessions with autistic children. What message does a child receive from hearing, ‘Good Job!’? We hope they hear our interest, encouragement and approval. However, when ‘Good Job!’ becomes a habit, is it still successful in conveying this meaning? Or, does it simply...
“Play provides a beautiful avenue for relating, learning, and just having fun in and of itself,” explains Ashley Case, a pediatric occupational therapist by profession and a full-time mom, in her article published on Motherly: “To the parents who don’t think they’re good at ‘playing’—you are.” Case encourages parents to play with their children, provides...
Below are just a few quotes on the importance of play in childhood. Play has long been recognized/quoted as an important aspect of childhood growth and development and we couldn’t agree more! Children need the freedom and time to play. Play is not a luxury. Play is a necessity. ~Kay Redfield Jamison Contemporary American professor...
