What play-based ABA looks like for young children:

Play-based therapy builds learning into the things your child already loves, including play, songs, snacks, and everyday routines. Instead of spending most of the session at a table, we follow your child's interests and build learning into everyday interactions. Therapy is woven into play, relationships, and everyday activities your child already enjoys.

Quick answers for parents:

Who is play-based therapy for?

Play-based therapy is especially well suited for toddlers and preschool-aged children, although many of the same principles remain useful as children get older.

How is it different from traditional ABA?

It follows your child's interests and builds learning into natural play and everyday interactions, rather than relying primarily on structured, adult-directed activities. Both approaches are rooted in the science of applied behavior analysis. Play-based therapy places greater emphasis on relationships, shared engagement, and learning within everyday activities.

Do parents participate?

Absolutely. We'll work with you to build learning into the routines and activities your family already experiences every day, so your child has opportunities to practice new skills beyond therapy sessions.

Is it evidence-based?

Yes. Naturalistic, play-based approaches are well supported by research and blend behavioral science with child development. We support communication in all its forms, including speech, gestures, signs, AAC, and other individualized communication systems when appropriate.

How PBG delivers it:

At PBG, we use your child's interests as the starting point for learning. Therapy takes place in the environments where your child lives, plays, and interacts with the people who matter most. We also work closely with parents so new skills can be practiced during mealtimes, play, community outings, and other parts of daily life.

Wondering if a play-based approach fits your child?