A play-based approach focus builds a relationship with the child using play as a medium. While it may be less structured than traditional therapy approaches, it is nonetheless purposeful and goal-oriented. Its theoretical underpinnings focus on looking at how the child develops and how the child’s communication can grow.

It is often used as an initial step, while training family members and caretakers. Our goal is to improve the child's oral communication and social exchanges as quickly as possible, we just use purposeful play as the backdrop. It is typically recommended for younger children birth through 4 years of age.