“The fun doctor helps unlock the potential of young children with autism”
Ben Gretchko is one of many of the success stories to come out of the PLAY Project. Ben recently graduated from Birmingham Seaholm Highschool and presented a four minute ‘inspiring’ commencement speech. This speech quickly went viral now hitting over 2.2 million views and climbing.
This video quickly caught the attention of author Alan Muskouitz.
Alan has known the Gretchko family for years, but it wasn’t until he was congratulating Ben’s parents, that he learned about Ben’s journey with The PLAY Project.
Lisa, Ben’s mother, described Dr. Solomon MD of the Ann Arbor Center for Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics as “truly a hero among us”.
“PLAY is not a one-size-fits-all-program, but its creative, rewarding and fun!” said Lisa. “Dr. Solomon and our PLAY consultant instructed us on how to adjust each interaction with Ben to ‘fit’ Ben’s development stage at that point in time, and to help him reach the next stage. If you asked Ben what he remembers about The PLAY Project, he’ll tell you that Steve and I played with him, a lot! It’s a very cool and innovative therapy.”
What Alan observed while learning about The PLAY Project was the crucial importance of early intervention for these young children with autism spectrum disorder. Dr. Solomon’s prescription for success includes connecting and building trust among often fearful and fragile young patients, in a way that leaves them smiling and laughing. The success of Dr. Solomon has made him a sought-after speaker. PLAY has now been introduced to families and professionals around the world. Patients leave their visits with new-found confidence and hope. These families are finding that there is hope where they once thought there was none for their children. It is the time and attention to detail regarding the children that provide invaluable reports that can turn these children’s lives around.
Dr. Solomon goes above and beyond the dedication of other doctors, by continuing relationships with the families and patients past their treatment; often following them into their adolescence through high school graduation, or until they no longer need his help. As Dr. Solomon said, “I suffer with the families and I give hope to the families, and I love watching the children as they progress. I am dedicated to each little human’s potential.”
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