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Our
Approach
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Family First is licensed to
use the P.L.A.Y. Project® model, created by developmental
pediatrician, Dr. Richard Solomon. This systematic method of
training is based on the Developmental, Individual differences,
Relationship-based approach (DIR®
/Floortime™) developed by Dr.
Stanley Greenspan and Dr. Serena Weider. DIR® is a
relationship-based model that gives parents the tools to
recognize and understand their child’s unique individual
differences and to facilitate play in specific ways to increase
their child’s developmental capacities. |
Research Support
for the PLAY Project® Model:
Dr. Solomon conducted
a research study consisting of a program evaluation of 400
families over a period of 5 years. A pilot of the first 74
children in this model of ages 44 months (20 months to 6
years), all diagnosed with ASD by the DSM IV was
completed.
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The
families were videotaped at baseline and again at 9 to 12
months by raters blind to clinical information. The
Functional Emotional Assessment Scale (FEAS) was used
along with the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), as
well as a clinical rating of progress.
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On
the FEAS 46% of children showed good to excellent outcomes
and 32% fair. 85%
of parents were more sensitive to their children’s cues
and parent satisfaction rating was 87%.
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Based
on these outcomes the National Institute of Mental Health
has awarded Dr. Solomon the sponsorship of a robust
clinical trial of the P.L.A.Y. Project® consisting of a
randomized controlled design, which commenced at 20 sites
in 2006. |
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What
is DIR®?
Developmental Individual differences Relationship based |
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A highly effective
assessment and treatment model that focuses on relationships by strengthening the child’s core capacities for functional and emotional development |
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Based on research that concludes that cognition, language, social and motor skills are learned through interactive relationships. |
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An approach which
recognizes the unique differences of each child in terms of sensory reactivity, regulation, processing and response. |
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Techniques and strategies to promote attention, impulse control, motor planning and sequencing, and behavioral regulation. |
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Relationshop based intervention that focuses on the child’s ability to joyfully relate, share interests and communicate with others |
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An intervention model that uses
specific therapeutic techniques and strategies (Floortime) |
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A model that
empowers the family to play an important role in their child’s treatment by teaching them to use playful, intensive, high quality and proven
FLOORTIME™ techniques in the context of daily life. |
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