We Chose Play: Raising an Autistic Child to Thrive and Feel Understood

We Chose Play chronicles one family's journey of choosing play over intensive behavioural intervention by embracing a developmental, relationship-based approach following an autism diagnosis. This heartfelt narrative reveals how focusing on each child's unique individuality and prioritizing play fosters joy and meaningful progress in their development.

We Chose Play is a testament to a joyful autism journey that begins with recognizing and building on strengths, even when additional supports are necessary. It inspires and provides hope for those hearing anything but that from others. By applying principles from the Developmental, Individual differences, Relationship-based (DIR(R)) model, caregivers can forge deep connections with their autistic children and, in the process, experience profound personal growth.

There's nothing quite like witnessing a child's development through their functional emotional developmental capacities (FEDCs) and realizing the power of influencing that developmental trajectory by playfully engaging with their interests. DIRFloortime(R) offers this invaluable gift.

DIR(R), DIRFloortime(R), and Floortime(R) are trademarks of ICDL, Inc.