The P.L.A.Y. Project™ is an early intervention program for young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), serving children ages 18 months to 7 years. The program helps parents support their child’s social, emotional, and communication development through play-based, relationship-focused interaction at home.
Created by Dr. Rick Solomon in Ann Arbor, Michigan, The P.L.A.Y. Project™ is based on the DIR®/Floortime model developed by Stanley Greenspan, which emphasizes learning through meaningful relationships and everyday play.
The P.L.A.Y. Project™ Home Consultation Program provides in-home coaching for parents of children with autism. Trained consultants work directly with families in their own homes, helping parents learn effective, enjoyable strategies they can use during daily routines.
By working in a familiar environment, children feel more comfortable and engaged. Parents learn how to turn everyday moments—such as mealtime, bath time, and outdoor play—into opportunities for learning, communication, and connection.
Parents spend more time with their children than any therapist or teacher. The P.L.A.Y. Project™ empowers parents to become their child’s most important learning partner, providing more hours of high-quality early intervention without adding stress to family life.
The program includes 3-hour home visits every 4–6 weeks (approximately 9 visits per year), during which consultants coach parents on how to provide one-on-one, play-based support throughout the week.
Founded in 2001, The P.L.A.Y. Project™ was developed to make effective autism early intervention more accessible. While many intensive programs can cost $40,000–$60,000 per year, this parent-led model typically costs around $4,000 per year.
The program has supported more than 1,000 families and is offered by over 80 agencies, schools, and hospitals in 23 states. Research findings have been published in Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice, with ongoing studies in collaboration with Michigan State University and funded by the National Institute of Mental Health.
Promote early identification and early intervention for children with ASD
Support parent-led, play-based autism intervention
Encourage intensive, engaging, relationship-focused learning
Partner with families through education, coaching, and support
Continually evaluate and improve program effectiveness
