Play Is The Point

Today, we're jumping into the world of play and its crucial role in helping both neurodiverse and neurotypical kids learn & thrive. We'll kick off by emphasizing that play isn’t just a fun pastime; it’s a powerful tool for learning, behaviour development, emotional regulation and communication. Throughout our chat, you’ll hear some real talk about the difference between child-led and adult-directed play, and why following a kiddo's lead can unlock their potential in ways structured activities just can’t. Using our experiences as mothers and clinicians, we'll share practical tips and strategies that make playtime a learning opportunity, packed with joy and connection. By the end of this episode, you'll feel empowered to create playful learning opportunities that will make a lasting impact on your children’s development. So, grab your favorite toy, and let’s get into how we can turn play into a bridge for communication!Timestamps:(01:25) - Welcome(01:59) - Episode Learning Objectives(05:05) - Have Fun & Be Silly(06:09) - "Play is anything that sparks joy"(18:30) - Identifying Joyful Moments(26:30) - Understanding Adult Directed vs Child Led Play(36:57) - Understanding Social Reciprocity in Communication(44:20) - Understanding Verbal Behaviour Development Theory(50:34) - The Importance of Context in Learning(59:33) - Special Guests!Articles Mentioned In This Episode:Tamara Kasper (SLP + BCBA)Akhbari Ziegler, S., & Hadders-Algra, M. (2020). "Coaching approaches in early intervention and paediatric rehabilitation." Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology. DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.14493.Elbeltagi, R., Al-Beltagi, M., Saeed, N. K., & Alhawamdeh, R. (2023). "Play therapy in children with autism: Its role, implications, and limitations." World Journal of Clinical Pediatrics, 12(1), 1-22. DOI: 10.5409/wjcp.v12.i1.1.Greer, R. Douglas, Jessica Dudek, and Hung Chang. "Observation, Language Learning, and Development: The Verbal Behavior Development Theory." The Psychological Record (2024). DOI: 10.1007/s40732-024-00585-1.****Visit The Sensory Supply for the best in sensory products to soothe, stimulate, and inspire.Learn about our clinic Elemenoe where we work to reach milestones together through speech, language, behaviour & learning.Visit neurodiversallyspeaking.com for all podcast & show info:Follow us:InstagramFacebookXYouTubeTikTokContact:Have a question or a topic that you'd love to hear on the show? Get in touch with us at [email protected]