A: The P.L.A.Y. Project is most effective for young children with autism: 18 months to 6 years of age. The intervention continues to be effective for older children but progress occurs more slowly, as all children over 7 years old enter into a new, less flexible neurological stage of growth. The P.L.A.Y. Project has been shown to be effective for the whole range of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs), including autism proper, PDD-NOS (pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified) and Asperger Syndrome.
A: Yes. Dr. Solomon’s research article, “Pilot Study of a Training Program for Young Children with Autism: The Michigan P.L.A.Y. Project Home Consultation Model,” has been published by the scientific journal Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice. The P.L.A.Y. Project follows all the National Academy of Science’s recommendations for the education of young children with autistic spectrum disorders.
Dr. Solomon is continuing his research regarding the effectiveness of relationship- and play-based interventions. Currently, he is conducting a study of The P.L.A.Y. Project Home Consulting model through the support of a grant from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). The study is in collaboration with Easter Seals and Michigan State University.
A: The P.L.A.Y. Project is based on the DIR® model, in which play is structured around “following the child’s lead” and getting down on the floor to “meet the child where he/she’s at.” But The P.L.A.Y. Project is a much more structured version, built on the 7 step Skill Sequence. We also provide a community-based delivery system through Home Consultation. Dr. Greenspan and Dr. Solomon are colleagues and Dr. Greenspan fully supports this structured application of his theory. Dr. Solomon is on the faculty of Dr. Greenspan and Dr. Serena Weider’s Interdisciplinary Council on Developmental and Learning Disorders (ICDL).
A: P.L.A.Y. and ABA are complimentary and have different strategic directions. Many families are choosing to apply both methods. Developmental interventions, such as The P.L.A.Y. Project and DIR, are much more flexible than behavioral approaches, such as ABA. Our strategies are child-centered with activities based on following the child’s lead; ABA is program-centered with a skill-and-drill based curriculum. Play-based methods are especially helpful in addressing the deficits of children who have difficulty regulating themselves and/or sustaining attention. ABA-based methods are most effective for strengthening learning skills and subjects.
A: The P.L.A.Y. Project is based in the home in order to provide the level of intensity and the number of hours needed, but the techniques and skills can be adapted to any environment. At the supermarket, in the car, during other therapies—you can use any occasion to deepen and enrich your relationship with your child with ASD. We have also trained teachers and therapists to deliver P.L.A.Y. techniques in the school setting.
A: The costs may vary between different P.L.A.Y. Projects around the country, since rates are based on the regional costs (including professional labor and overhead). Each agency is independent and free to determine its own pricing structure. At the Ann Arbor Center, the cost is typically $4,000/year (for 10 3-hour visits at $400 per visit), plus home consultant travel costs. This figure compares very favorably to most other intensive interventions, costing $40,000 to $60,000 per year.
A: Mid-month video feedback, instruction, support, and reading materials on all types of issues (eating, sleeping, promoting language, etc.), referrals to other agencies, references, resources and help with IEPs/school.
A: For parents and professionals who want an introduction and practical overview of The P.L.A.Y. Project and DIR methods, we suggest beginning with the Workshop I DVD. Our agencies have found the DVD to be an extremely effective tool in helping families learn and implement our play-based techniques.
For parents who want to be trained further, our consultants will provide this training to you in your home. Look for The P.L.A.Y. Project Home Consulting Program in your community.
For professionals (speech and language pathologists, occupational therapists, social workers, psychologists, etc.) who want to learn more about agency trainings, please see The P.L.A.Y. Project Agency Training section and then contact our office for further details, documents and dates.
A: Contact The Ann Arbor Center for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics at (734) 997-9088. These appointments can be for ASD diagnosis, planning an effective intervention program for your child, coaching on specific problem areas, as well as any other developmental and behavioral issues for children of any age.
A: For families participating in The P.L.A.Y. Project, our home consultant will train parents and others who support the family. We have successfully trained relatives, college students, volunteers, neighbors, etc. to help deliver the 15-25 hours per week of intensive intervention needed. Each P.L.A.Y. Project offers somewhat different resources beyond the home consulting program—check with your local agency to see if they have a P.L.A.Y. tutor program or ask their home consultant to train additional support/volunteers in your home.
