FAQ & Links

About Neurodevelopment Neurodevelopment gets to the root of what some might consider problematic behaviors by listening and observing, not pushing or judging. It can assist children and adults labeled with, but not limited to: ADD, ADHD, Dyslexia, Autism, Traumatic Brain Injury, Tourette's Syndrome, Anxiety, Depression, Seizure Disorders, ODC, ODD, PDD-NOS, Issues of Aging, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Genetic Disorders, and more. When individuals embrace Neurodevelopmental in their lives, which includes the implementation of a program of activities, nutritional recommendations, and environmental recommendations, obstacles that get in the way of living the way they want to live are lessened and they have more choices for how to do the things they want to do. Neurodevelopment creates learning readiness by putting into place the neurological building blocks that form the foundation for all forms of learning: academic, social, motor, behavioral and more. It prepares the ground so improvement can take root. People of all ages have the potential and desire to learn and the possibilities are endless.

During a Neurodevelopmental session the provider collects information by taking the client through a series of tasks, or maybe by simply observing or playing. The client is then given information about what the provider learned that might explain why some things are more challenging for them. The provider also leads the client through a set of individualized activities to do at home. The activities may include simple equipment such as a crazy straw or a ball, and will take from 10-30 minutes a day. The activities provide organized, repetitive, rhythmic, movement and/or input to the brain and body that change the way the brain and body function. The client/family learns a new way of viewing “problematic” behaviors or symptoms. They learn that “symptoms” are the body’s way of communicating, and they gain insight into how to reduce stress. As a complement to the home-based activities, the Neurodevelopmental provider will often include other recommendations as part of the client's program. The health of the brain and sensory processing systems depends heavily on the health of the body. Therefore recommendations may address the internal and external environments of the individual. The provider also considers the client’s family, social and educational systems when making recommendations.

What is the PLAY Project? The PLAY (Play and Language for Autistic Youngsters) Project is an evidence-based autism intervention developed by Rick Solomon MD, a Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrician. The PLAY Project is devoted to helping parents develop a better connection with their child through play, and helping the child improve their language, development, behavior, and social skills. We watch parents develop a joyous relationship with their child because of the PLAY Project. ' The PLAY Project Home Consulting Program offers support and training for families of young children with autism in the home setting. We find the home is where the child is most comfortable and acts most naturally. Parents are coached by credentialed professionals to implement methods and techniques that are effective, fun, and useful in day-to-day interactions with their child. A benefit of contracting with the Ann Arbor Center for developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics PLAY Project program is that each Certified PLAY Project consultant receives direct supervision of Dr. Solomon. The PLAY Project consultant and Dr. Solomon view videos together and discuss each child’s case and ongoing development. The success of the PLAY Project spans thousands of families all over the world with more than 100 sites in 30 states and 9 countries. PLAY Project Consultants hold degrees in child development fields (e.g. Speech, OT, Psychology, Social Work, or Special Education) and master the PLAY Project intervention through intensive training and supervision by Dr. Solomon and his experienced staff. How does the PLAY Project help my child? You are your child’s first and best teacher and you know your child better than anyone else. PLAY Project is considered a parent-implemented autism intervention. The PLAY Project Consultant assesses your child’s developmental and behavioral changes at each visit. The assessment is used to develop the child’s individualized PLAY Plan: a set of techniques and activities designed to help your child reach these outcomes: Increased caregiver/parent and child interaction Increased social interaction of child with autism Improved social-emotional development of child with autism Improved autism-related diagnostic category/symptoms including behavioral compliance.

Before beginning the Home Consultation Program, parents typically establish the diagnosis of an Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) for their child from a pediatric professional. If your child does not yet have a diagnosis, please contact us to discuss possibilities.

Please read the Parents Guide to PLAY under the services tab on our webpage.

Ginny Thames has an MA in Education. Ginny has 18 years experience working with children with special needs as a developmental specialist. Ginny has extensive training in the areas of Verbal Behavior, Applied Behavior Analysis, the P.L.A.Y Project, HANDLE and nutrition. Ginny is a certified * HANDLE screener, Neurodevelopmental practitioner and P.L.A.Y Project consultant and supervisor. *For more information on HANDLE go to www.handle.org or planforlearningandliving.com