Amplifying Play in Early Intervention: A Therapist’s Approach

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Ashley Fairley, OTR/L, who shared her innovative approach to amplifying play in early intervention. Her insight and practical strategies are sure to inspire and benefit both families and fellow therapists.

Utilizing Obstacle Courses and Sensory-Based Play for Therapy

Ashley Fairley emphasizes the therapeutic benefits of obstacle courses and sensory-based play in her therapy sessions. She finds them not only fun but also vital for the child’s development. “It’s an opportunity for the child to work on their body awareness, motor planning, and problem-solving skills in a playful and engaging manner,” she explains.

The Effectiveness of Limited Resources in Engaging Activities

Fairley has had great success using limited resources, such as a single blanket, to engage in various activities and games during therapy sessions. Families have provided positive feedback about the simplicity and effectiveness of these activities. “It’s amazing how much we can do with just a blanket, fostering creativity and resourcefulness in both the child and the family,” she shares.

Prioritizing Utilizing Family’s Available Resources

In her approach to therapy, Fairley recommends using what the family already has available, rather than relying on therapy bags. This promotes better carryover and engagement. “It’s about understanding that the simplest resources often lead to the most creativity and engagement within the child and their family,” she says.

Adapting Therapy Sessions Based on Family’s Resources

To achieve a more personalized and effective approach, Fairley suggests conducting an inventory of a family’s available resources to plan and adapt therapy sessions. By doing so, therapists can ensure that the activities are better tailored to the child’s needs and the family’s lifestyle. “It’s all about making therapy more accessible and sustainable within the family’s daily life,” she stresses.

Assessing and Addressing Play Skills in Early Intervention

Fairley emphasizes the importance of considering various factors such as fine motor, visual motor, sensory skills, environment, social dynamics, and cultural influences when evaluating a child’s play skills. “Assessing a child’s play skills is not just about the physical aspects; it’s about understanding their holistic development,” she asserts.

Embracing Natural Settings for Insight and Engagement

Recognizing the impact of family dynamics on a child’s play experiences, Fairley highlights the role of natural settings in gaining insight into a child’s development. “Parents find it easier to share concerns in their natural setting, which offers valuable observations and insights,” she explains.

Integrating Play-Based Strategies into Daily Routines

Fairley stresses the importance of promoting play outside of direct therapy time by integrating play-based strategies into the family’s daily routines. She advocates understanding the family’s unique dynamics and schedules, and tailoring the strategies accordingly. “It’s about creating sustainable and enjoyable play opportunities within the family’s existing routines,” she affirms.

Collaborating for Multidisciplinary Therapy Activities

Fairley emphasizes the significance of collaborating with other therapists to create activities that address multiple therapy needs. By doing so, therapists can ensure a more cohesive and streamlined approach to therapy, benefitting both the child and their family. “It’s about finding ways to make therapy less overwhelming for families with children receiving multiple therapies,” she notes.

Incorporating Spontaneous, Child-Led Therapy Sessions

Ashley Fairley underscores the effectiveness of spontaneous, child-led therapy sessions, which incorporate silliness, singing, dancing, and sensory-based play. She also highlights the importance of using everyday home activities as play-based activities. “It’s about ensuring that parents are not only comfortable and confident with playing but also actively participating in the child’s development,” she stresses.

In conclusion, Ashley Fairley’s approach to early intervention therapy is insightful and practical, emphasizing the use of available resources, the significance of play in a child’s development, and the importance of tailoring therapy to meet the unique needs and dynamics of each family. Her innovative strategies will undoubtedly inspire and benefit both therapists and families alike.