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At The Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh, we understand that every child communicates and connects in their own unique way. Our evaluation and treatment sessions are centered on child-directed play and sensory-based activities, designed to support children in developing meaningful language skills in a comfortable environment. Child-Directed play is a key component of working with neurodivergent children. When you follow a child’s lead in play, you are telling your child that you see them and that their ideas are valued. You become their play partner, not their director. This enables you to build a meaningful relationship built on connection and trust, not compliance. Child-directed play also supports your child’s intrinsic motivation to want to learn and connect with you! Thus, they can accept language modeled by you, and learning outcomes increase.
 

What makes up Child-Directed Play? How can I do it at home?

Child’s Play Preferences

It helps to know your child’s play and sensory preferences. Do they enjoy songs? Books? Light up toys? Or maybe more sensory play like climbing, swinging, or putty. Find an activity your child enjoys, can engage in safely, and can take the lead in. The goal is to increase your child’s interaction and build trust. So do not sabotage or withhold during play.

It is important to follow your child’s lead for what to play, but also how to play. Play looks different for all children, lining up trains, pretending to feed a doll, stacking toys into a tower, etc. When we honor their play by joining in with them, we are increasing trust and connection.
 

Movement

If possible, go to a place where there is space to move. Movement helps our brains to “wake up” and can facilitate vocalizations in children who are minimally verbal. Speech therapy does not always happen at a table or even sitting on the floor. Movement and sensory regulation support child engagement and attention to language models from others while making them feel comfortable and empowered to use their voice.
 

Silence

Before we model language in these environments, it is important that we take time to be silent. Give your child the time and space to express what they are thinking in their own way. Silence from us reduces expectations and stress, allows for better regulation with less auditory input, and enables us to become better observers of a child’s language.
 

Imitate and Model Language

From speech to AAC, sign language, and even a pointed look or gesture, all modes of communication are honored and encouraged. Watch for gestures, vocalizations, and speech that your child uses and imitate them! Let them know that their voice matters, no matter what their modality.

When modeling language, we want to avoid questions and directives. Asking questions such as “What is it?” or directing a child to “Say ‘red’”  can increase stress and pressure from creating an expectation to perform. It also puts a child in “question/answer mode”. This pattern indicates that a child has to wait for your prompt before speaking, which decreases spontaneous language. So what should we model instead? Model declarative statements by making observations about your child’s play. “Wow! That was fast!” “It is a red train.” “Go go go!”, etc. Pair these models with a fun animated voice or even sing to increase engagement with your child.
 

Our therapists know that the real growth happens at home, and caregiver education and participation remain a priority in our sessions. Use these tips at home to create an engaging, language-filled environment for your child to grow. In our sessions, we continue to educate on natural language acquisition and the benefits of modeling language within play and sensory-based activities specifically geared towards your child’s interests and sensory needs. We provide individual and group-based treatment to support your child’s language skills at a level that is appropriate for them.

We are proud to offer neurodivergent-affirming social skills groups designed to support children and teens in developing meaningful social connections—on their terms.

Led by a licensed speech-language pathologist and supported by a dedicated aide, our small-group sessions (just 4–6 children per group) create a safe, structured, and welcoming space for learning and practicing essential social skills. The social skills group curricula were thoughtfully designed with children in mind, while being founded in evidence-based research. Each group is organized by age and language level to ensure that activities, expectations, and peer interactions are developmentally appropriate.

Our neurodivergent-affirming approach means we honor and celebrate the diverse ways children think, communicate, and relate to the world. Rather than aiming to "fix" or "normalize" behavior, we focus on building confidence, connection, and communication through engaging, child-centered activities. It is imperative that our children understand the world around them while engaging and interacting with others.

We are pleased to introduce Lego Brick Club groups to the services provided by our speech team. Brick Club, aka the Brick by Brick Program, is based on a proven therapeutic approach that’s shown to improve communication and social and emotional well-being in kids of all ages through collaborative LEGO® building. This program is supported by the LEGO Foundation and is run by trained “Brick Club Facilitators”. It was originally designed with autistic children in mind, but its flexibility makes it perfect for children with a range of strengths, challenges, and diagnoses while creating a sense of belonging for everyone.

Social Skills We Explore Together:

• Turn-taking and cooperative play

• Conversational basics

• Understanding and expressing emotions in oneself and others

• Problem-solving and conflict resolution

• Flexibility and perspective-taking

• Building and maintaining friendships

Whether your child is just starting to explore social interaction or looking to strengthen more advanced communication skills, our team is here to support them every step of the way—with compassion, clinical expertise, and a deep respect for neurodiversity.

Discover what makes The Children's Institute the best choice for your child's Speech Language Therapy.

 

For free online video resources for parents on natural language acquisition, visit Meaningful Speech LLC.