Frequently Asked Questions about Autism and The P.L.A.Y. Project

1) What is Autism?

Autism is a neurological, developmental disorder. Evidence is accumulating that autism is a genetic disorder, though other factors (e.g. toxic exposures) may contribute to its cause. The three core deficits of autism are: 1) self-isolation and impaired social skills; 2) language delay and impaired communication; and 3) stereotyped or repetitive behaviors.

2) Is there a cure for Autism?

Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for autism. However, there are treatment options for children who receive a diagnosis. The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) 2001 Report recommends intensive interventions beginning as early as possible, providing 25 hours per week of 1:1 or 1:2 teacher:child ratio using intervention that is engaging and has a strategic direction (i.e. strategies to repair language, academic and/or social skills deficits).

3) What is intensive intervention?

The P.L.A.Y. Project is an “intensive intervention.” This means that children receive many hours of engagement. The National Academy of Sciences defines “intensive” programming
as 25 hours per week of one-on-one interaction.

4) What skills are targeted in The P.L.A.Y. Project

Our program focuses on helping children with Autism Spectrum Disorder build emotional connections and engage in meaningful relationships with their family and others. By focusing on relationships, we help children gain skills, by moving through the six Functional Developmental Levels (FDLs)*:

1. Self-regulation and shared attention
2. Engagement and intimacy
3. 2-way communication and initiation
4. Complex communication and language
5. Emotional ideas, shared meaning, simple symbolic play
6. Emotional thinking, complex symbolic play

5) What is DIR/Floortime?

“DIR” is short for Developmental, Individual-Differences and Relationship-Based. “Floortime” refers to the practice of getting down on the floor and playing with the child at his/her own level. In this model we apply techniques that match the child’s Developmental level—in other words, “meet ’em where they’re at.” Each child is seen as an Individual and the program is tailored to match the individual capacities and needs of the child. We help the child gain social skills and language by building strong Relationships with adults, and eventually with peers. In our opinion, the earlier the intervention, the better the outcome.

6) What is the relationship between The P.L.A.Y. Project and DIR?

The P.L.A.Y. Project is a practical, family-friendly, and affordable application of the DIR framework. Based on the DIR theory, the home consultants train parents to deliver intensive, one-on-one interventions that are individualized and engaging. The P.L.A.Y. Project is a much more structured version of DIR. 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).

7) Where is The P.L.A.Y. Project located?

The P.L.A.Y. Project headquarters is in Ann Arbor, MI, but there are P.L.A.Y. Project Home Consulting programs all over the country, from Connecticut to California. Go to www.playproject.org for more information.

*Stanley Greenspan defines the Functional Developmental Levels (FDLs) in his book, Engaging Autism.

8) How does The P.L.A.Y. Project compare with Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA)?

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 social deficits of children with autism.