Home-based services for children with social, communication, and/or sensory processing differences
Play to Learn…Learn to Play was created to help families find effective strategies to teach their children. Whether in the home, school, or community setting, a playful relationship of mutual respect is at the foundation of all of my intervention strategies.
Families who use my services tend to have children who demonstrate an uneven learning profile (age appropriate or even advanced in some areas, but delayed in others). When evaluated some of my clients have been diagnosed on the autism spectrum, and others will not qualify for any diagnosis at all. What these children have in common, though, is that they are not able to process cues from the environment in the same way that their peers do. They need some extra help to learn what they don't yet know.
Functional Communication
This is the most vital skill we can teach. Once children understand that using appropriate communication (words, gestures, signs, symbols, or pictures) can get them what they want, inappropriate behaviors become less functional. Using strategies from Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), communication skills are taught in a meaningful context where motivation is high. Errorless learning is used to maximize successful experiences.
Play & Social Skills
Individualized programs are created for each child starting at a comfortable, familiar level. As early skills are mastered, higher level skills are introduced. For maximum generalization, social skills are first taught in adult/child pairs, then practiced in child/child pairs and eventually in small groups. Faciliated play groups and trips to recreational areas in your community are an important (and fun!) part of the learning process.
Self-help skills
Getting any child to perform self-care tasks can be challenging! By breaking down routines into their smallest components and chaining these steps together, children can experience success and take pride in their new found independence!