treatment of autism
Our Approach

treatment of autism

treatment of autism

Family First Home PageOur ApproachMeet Our TeamLet's Get Started!Contact Information

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.  

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.  

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%.  

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. 

What is DIR®?
Developmental Individual differences Relationship based

A highly effective assessment and treatment model that focuses on relationships by strengthening the child’s core capacities for functional and emotional development

Based on research that concludes that cognition, language, social and motor skills are learned through interactive relationships.

An approach which recognizes the unique differences of each child in terms of sensory reactivity, regulation, processing and response.

Techniques and strategies to promote attention, impulse control, motor planning and sequencing, and behavioral regulation.

Relationshop based intervention that focuses on the child’s ability to joyfully relate, share interests and communicate with others

An intervention model that uses specific therapeutic techniques and strategies (Floortime) 

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.

What is FLOORTIME™?

A systematic way of working with a child that focuses on the child’s developmental capacities
Playful interactive play that helps the child build interpersonal, emotional and intellectual skills.
Motivates the child to relate and communicate by building on the child’s natural inclinations and interests.
Uses playful techniques to challenge the child to engage with others and open and close circles of communication
Encourages the expression and use of feelings and ideas through pretend play
Helps the child build logical bridges between ideas to increase flexible thinking and social problem solving abilities. 

Click here for more information on the Floortime Foundation.

Click here for more information on the Interdisciplinary Council on Developmental & Learning Disorders.

 

© 2007 Family First
Site Created by Lew Web Designs.