Play.Connect.Grow

10/30/2025

Play is a unique therapy in that you don’t need a degree or clinical background to know how to do it. You already know how, if it feels hard that’s because you’re buying into the pressure that you’re going to some how “make” this child change.
You can’t.

You can however be somebody worth changing for.

10/24/2025

🌿✨ Introducing Little Farm by Play.Connect.Grow. ✨🌿

We’re so excited to share our newest program—Little Farm, located right here in Santa Monica! 🌞🐓

Little Farm is a joyful, nature-based learning experience where children and young adults connect with the earth, explore creativity, and nourish their bodies and minds. Our days are filled with:
🌱 Gardening and growing fresh foods
🎨 Creative outdoor art and sensory play
🥕 Nutrition and mindful eating activities
🐥 Gentle connection with our support chickens
☀️ Lots of sunshine, laughter, and heart-centered community

Everything takes place outdoors in our peaceful garden setting, surrounded by nature’s beauty.

If you’d like to learn more or schedule a visit, we’d love to hear from you! 🌻
📩 Contact us for more information — space is limited for this magical new offering.

02/14/2024

🐼 Attention Parents of Kids with Autism! Kim DeLand, M.S., CCC-SLP is giving away 10 free iPad apps of PandaPal- Autism Communication System, for the iPad app! Kim designed this app back in 2010 when she was working in a school with severely handicap kids. Tofay, 14 years later, this app is worldwide in over 130 countries, and serving millions of children across the globe.

🌟 What is PandaPal? 🌟
PandaPal is a comprehensive communication iPad app designed specifically for children with autism. It's more than just an app - it's a full-fledged communication device tailored to meet the unique needs of your child. PandaPal is super easy to use and designed for early language learners as young as 12 months of age. So if you’re kiddo is having any issues, communicating, tantruming, and or your witnessing any behaviors, there’s a good chance your child is trying to communicate to you. DM me a picture and or information on why your child needs a communication app so I could send you a FREE APP TODAY!!

🐼More info on PandaPal 🐼

📸 Visual Support with Real Photos 📸
With PandaPal, your child can communicate using real photos, making the experience more intuitive and engaging. From everyday objects to familiar faces, the app provides a visual representation of words and concepts, making communication easier and more meaningful.

🎤 Personalized Voice Recording 🎤
One of the standout features of PandaPal is its ability to record your child's voice. This allows for personalized communication experiences, empowering your child to express themselves in their own voice.

📅 Schedule Board for Structure and Routine 📅
Structure and routine are essential for children with autism, and PandaPal understands that. The app includes a schedule board feature, helping your child visualize their daily activities and routines. By providing a clear schedule, PandaPal promotes independence and reduces anxiety associated with transitions.

🔠 Similar to PECS with Enhanced Features 🔠
PandaPal is similar to PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System), but with enhanced features tailored specifically for children with autism. The app allows kids to choose from categories and create sentences using a sentence strip, fostering language development and communication skills.

📊 Data Collection for Therapists 📊
For therapists and educators, PandaPal offers built-in data collection tools. Track your child's progress, monitor communication patterns, and identify areas for growth.

Don't miss out on this transformative tool for your child's communication journey! Download PandaPal Autism Communication System today and unlock the power of communication for your child. 🐼✨

Hete us the link to the Apple store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/pandapal-aac/id492860458

02/12/2024

That moment when your house starts to resemble an art gallery... and the trash can starts to look like a tempting option. 😂 Who can relate? 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♀️

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02/11/2024

It sounds so simple, but it is a key ingredient in social communication. We tend to focus on eye contact when it comes to communication therapies, however, there is a lot of value in children just being allowed to look at our faces without making eye contact. They will still be taking in our facial expressions and they won’t feel pushed or pressured to make eye contact all of the time, which can be very challenging for children, autistic or not. Eye contact is a very intimate and intense experience, it’s a way of sustaining attention, but also sharing emotion. In nature, it can be a sign of aggression. Eye contact can be hard! Looking at people's faces is a great start.

02/11/2024

💔 "The Silent Breakfast: Another Missed Connection Between Mother and Son" 🍳👩‍👦📱

In a world filled with distractions, the sacred bond between a mother and son often takes a backseat. Instead of meaningful conversations over breakfast, screens steal away precious moments of connection that you will never get back. Let's remember to put down our devices and truly engage with the ones we love.

💬❤️

02/07/2024

🌟 Attention all parents and caregivers! 🌟

Looking for fun and educational videos to engage your kiddos? Look no further! Join us on our website to watch more hilarious videos starring our lovable puppet Polly! 🐦💫

Polly isn't just any puppet—she's here to make learning fun and accessible for children of all abilities. Our videos are packed with laughter, interactive activities, and valuable lessons to support your child's development. From improving social skills to boosting language abilities, Polly and her friends are ready to embark on exciting adventures while learning and growing together.

Don't miss out on the fun! Head over to our website now and let the laughter and learning begin! 🎉✨ www.playconnectgrow.com

02/07/2024

Kim and Aaron, joined forces to create a series of educational and entertaining speech therapy videos aimed at children. Drawing on their expertise in speech therapy and play therapy, they infused their videos with humor, creativity, and interactive activities to engage young learners. With a focus on improving social skills, articulation, storytelling, language development, and more, Kim and Aaron designed each video to be both effective and enjoyable for children. Through colorful visuals, engaging storytelling, and fun exercises, they provided a dynamic learning experience that helped children build confidence in their communication abilities. By combining their passion for helping children with their innovative approach to therapy, Kim and Aaron's videos became a valuable resource for parents, educators, and therapists alike, fostering growth and development in children's speech and language skills in a fun and supportive way. Log on our website today to get started.

autismspeaks

01/31/2024

Aaron highlights shared enjoyment and oxytocin during his interview on an episode of Let’s Talk Autism with Shannon and Nancy.

Let’s Talk Autism with Shannon & Nancy is now a part of The Autism Network, which has many different shows including Autism Live, Ask Dr. Doreen, Stories from the Spectrum, etc… I highly recommend tuning in for more uplifting and informative episodes!

Watch the full episode here:
https://youtu.be/8fiRMOCOQT0?si=7pwKgUuc5Eav0dfX

In this segment of Let's Talk Autism! Our hosts Shannon and Nancy, our hosts are joined by the founder and director of Play.Connect.Grow. Aaron Deland in the...

03/06/2023

Classes start soon! Please shoot us a DM to learn more about our personalized classes.

03/03/2023

We call this a brain break! Sometimes your brain needs a quick rest! Yoga poses are a fun way to let go and reset your mind!