Learn to Play Therapy
Learn to Play Therapy provides scaffolding for each play development level. This play based therapy approach has shown to improve social interactions, receptive and expressive language and imaginative play. It is based on the understanding that there may be a discrepancy between the child’s play stage and age and with improving levels of play, interpersonal, emotional and cognitive development improves.
Learn to Play Therapy aims to develop pretend play skills from a basic level, all the way through to creating extended imaginative play scenes. It is ideal for neurodivergent children who have limited play or social skills.
Play skills that are the focus of Learn to Play Therapy are: ability to spontaneously self-initiate play, sequencing play actions logically, using objects as something else (object substitution or symbols in play), engaging with a doll or teddy character outside of themselves, integrating their play so a clear play script is evident, role play and socially interacting using play.
The therapist begins by assessing the child’s play level using the Pretend Play Enjoyment Developmental Checklist. They then work with them by directing the play and supporting the child’s development in a simple, fun and play based way. Over time the child ‘takes the lead’ as their play skills, confidence and language increase, preparing them for successful social interactions.
