Autism: The Potential Within: The PLAY Project Approach to Helping Young Children with Autism

Every parent wants to discover the potential within his or her child. For parents of children with autism, The PLAY Project can help. Autism: The Potential Within describes the journey of Jacob Grant – a composite of all young children with autism – and his family as they learn The PLAY Project approach. The book follows Jacob along the path from early diagnosis until entry into kindergarten. Through a series of office visits, “Dr. Rick” empowers Jim and Julie Grant to be Jacob’s best play partners. He also guides them on how to use Jacob’s misbehavior – tantrums in public, sibling rivalry, picky eating and sleep problems – to help him learn appropriate behavior and social skills. Over time, Jacob moves from nonverbal to constantly talking, and from self-isolation to being warmly connected. Based on scientific research and decades of practice, this guide provides parents and professionals with a new way of working and interacting with young children with autism.