Relationship-Based Therapy in Your Home for Children & Families

Growing Through Play provides pediatric occupational therapy and DIR/Floortime services in Wallingford Connecticut, North Haven Connecticut, Branford Connecticut, Cheshire Connecticut, Guilford Connecticut, Madison Connecticut and surrounding communities. We specialize in supporting children on the autism spectrum through a relationship-based, play-focused approach that empowers families to take an active role in their child’s development. Our services focus on building communication, emotional connection, and engagement through child-led interactions and caregiver coaching.

Founded by Keri, a certified DIR/Floortime specialist, caregiver coach and occupational therapist, our practice brings experience across early intervention (Birth to Three), pediatric outpatient therapy, and school-based services. We understand that every child develops differently—and we meet them where they are.

A child with blonde hair playing with toy rescue vehicles on a patterned carpet, with a brick wall in the background.

What Makes Us Different

A Relationship-Based, Family-Centered Approach to Autism Therapy in Guilford CT

At Growing Through Play, we believe therapy should feel warm, connected, and meaningful—not rushed, rigid, or clinical.

Many families come to us looking for an alternative to “therapy mill” environments where children move from one task to the next without true connection. We created Growing Through Play to be different.

Our autism-specialized occupational therapy focuses on the whole child through connection, play, and emotional development.

We emphasize:

  • Child-led, play-based therapy that follows your child’s interests and strengths

  • Building emotional regulation, engagement, and meaningful relationships

  • Supporting communication, social interaction, and confidence through connection

  • Parent coaching that helps caregivers feel empowered, supported, and involved

  • A calm, nurturing environment that avoids the “clinical” feel many families want to move away from

  • Individualized support designed specifically for autistic children and their unique sensory and emotional needs

We believe real growth happens through safe relationships, joyful interactions, and shared experiences—not compliance-driven therapy.

At Growing Through Play, families are never on the sidelines. You are an essential part of your child’s progress, and we work alongside you every step of the way.

A woman with short curly hair and glasses is smiling while sitting at a table, watching a young boy with curly blond hair play with a colorful stacking toy in a cozy living room. The background has a bookshelf, decorative items, and a gray sofa with striped and solid pillows.
Family playing with colorful building blocks on a striped rug in a cozy living room.

What is DIR/Floortime?

Play-Based Therapy That Builds Connection and Communication

DIR/Floortime is an evidence-informed, play-based therapy for autism that focuses on helping children develop through relationships and meaningful interactions.

Instead of focusing only on behavior, this approach supports:

  • Social and emotional development

  • Communication and language skills

  • Attention, engagement, and regulation

  • Problem-solving and flexible thinking

Families looking for Floortime therapy in Connecticut often choose this model because it respects each child’s individuality and strengthens the parent-child relationship.

Research shows that children participating in DIR/Floortime often experience improvements in communication, engagement, and emotional connection—while caregivers gain confidence in supporting their child’s development at home.

Many families begin exploring child-led autism therapy when they’re looking for a more connected, natural approach that feels in tune with their child. For parents seeking ABA alternatives or a more flexible, play-based autism therapy model, child-led approaches often feel more aligned with their values and their child’s emotional needs.

Child-led autism therapy focuses on:

  • Following your child’s interests and motivation

  • Building trust through connection and relationship

  • Supporting regulation and development through meaningful interaction

  • Using everyday moments as opportunities for growth and learning

There is no single “right” way to support autism—but many families find that a connection-based, respectful approach can make a meaningful difference for both their child and their experience as parents.

Why Families Choose Child-Led Autism Therapy

A woman with long braided hair kneeling on the ground, smiling and playing with a young girl. Both are wearing dresses with blue background and orange, red, yellow, and green floral patterns. They are outdoors on a paved path with green trees and grass in the background.

Ready to Learn More?

Choosing the right therapy can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to figure it out alone.

If you’re interested in relationship-based, play-focused autism therapy, reach out to learn how we can support your child and your family.

If you have been searching for:

  • “pediatric occupational therapist near me”

  • “Floortime therapy near me”

  • “play-based autism therapy Connecticut”

  • “ABA alternatives near me”

We’re here to help.