At Therapy Connect, we believe that play is an essential part of a child’s development and this is especially true for children with disabilities and developmental delays who may need more support with social interaction, communication, and emotion regulation. Play provides a safe and enjoyable space for children to learn and practice essential skills to help them navigate their daily lives.
Play provides a space for children to express themselves, pursue their interest and develop their social skills, such as taking turns, sharing, and communicating. Play also allows children to practice fine motor skills, and gross motor skills, and meet their sensory needs. Moreover, play can help children with disabilities, including autism, intellectual or sensory/motor disability and build confidence, self-esteem, and a sense of independence.
At Therapy Connect, our team of occupational therapists, speech pathologists, psychologists, physiotherapists and dietitians all use play-based strategies in their online therapy sessions to support children. Our therapists incorporate games, toys, and other playful activities into their therapy sessions to engage children and create a positive learning environment. Through play, we can help children to develop the skills they need to succeed in school, at home, and in their communities.
We also work closely with parents and caregivers to encourage them to incorporate play into their child’s daily routines. We believe that play is not just a therapy tool but a critical part of a child’s life. By creating opportunities for play, parents and caregivers can support their child’s development and make life more enjoyable.
Play is essential for the development and wellbeing of all children. Through play-based therapy, we can help children who are neurodivergent or have disabilities develop some of the important life skills they need. And by empowering families and caregivers to use play in their daily routines, we can support children with their development and have fun while doing it!
If you want to find out more about how we use play in our online therapy sessions, contact Therapy Connect to make an appointment.
This blog is written by Carla Jaffe, Occupational Therapist and Operations Manager for Therapy Connect.
