Using Play to Help Your Autistic Child Communicate
For parents whose Autistic child can’t yet tell them what they need (and might let hitting or screaming do most of the talking)
Maybe you’ve been wondering what to do
Maybe your child is on a waitlist for services, or there aren't many options where you live.
Maybe you've looked into ABA therapy but aren't sure it's right for your family.
Or maybe you'd simply prefer to learn how to support your child yourself, in your own home, and on your own terms.
Whatever brought you here, you don't have to wait to start learning how to help your child communicate.
Get virtual guidance from a neuroaffirming Board Certified Behavior Analyst while you're waiting for services, or when waiting isn't an option.
Imagine if your child could tell you what they need…
Instead of pulling you around by the hand, they could tell you what they want.
Instead of screaming when something doesn't work, they could let you know they need help.
Instead of hitting when they want you to stop, they could communicate no, stop, or give me space.
And communication doesn't have to mean spoken words. It might be a sign, gesture, picture, AAC device, or word your child is just beginning to use. Play-based learning also means there won’t be endless drills or only sitting at a table. There’s a reason learning through play is proven to be so effective and no child is ever too old to learn new ways to communicate.
Helping you help your child to communicate
Introducing the Play to Communicate Blueprint
Through personalized, virtual parent coaching, I'll help you understand what your child may be trying to communicate and learn how to teach more effective ways to express those needs in ways that are fun and motivating for your child.
We'll use your child's interests, everyday routines, and play to build communication skills that are meaningful to your family.
You'll learn how to:
Recognize what your child may be communicating through challenging behavior.
Create natural opportunities for communication through play.
Help your child learn and use words, signs, gestures, or AAC to express their needs.
Respond in ways that encourage communication, connection, and growing independence.
You don't need special toys, a therapy room, or hours of extra work. We'll start with the experiences you're already sharing.
Hi, I'm Rachel.
I’m a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, former special education teacher, and the owner of Blueprint Behavior Consulting.
For more than 15 years, I’ve worked with families of Autistic children in their homes, helping them build communication, independence, and practical skills for their everyday lives. This experience shaped my belief that parents can be some of their children’s most effective teachers, especially when learning happens through connection and play. Now I bring that same approach to families anywhere through virtual coaching.
My approach is neuroaffirming, and I was trained in play-based, naturalistic interventions like Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT), which builds learning around a child’s interests and motivation. The goal isn’t to change who your child is, but to give them more effective ways to communicate and be understood.
When I’m not working with kids and parents, you’ll find me reading, gardening, or taking care of a feral cat colony I somehow ended up with.
You don’t have to keep guessing
If your child is in the early stages of communication and challenging behavior is making everyday life difficult, I'd love to hear about your family.
Let's talk about where you are, what you'd like to change, and whether working together might be a good fit.