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What Is Play Therapy? A Guide for Parents and Caregivers - Guest: Kaitlin Mulcahey
Why is play more than just fun and games? In this inspiring conversation with play advocate and therapy expert Kaitlin, we explore how play forms the foundation for child development—especially for neurodivergent children and AAC users. From imaginary play and sensory bins, discover how different types of play support motor skills, emotional regulation, communication, and real-world problem-solving. We challenge outdated myths about “non-functional” play and explain why open-ended, child-led experiences are essential.
🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more expert conversations on child development and therapy!
Timestamps:
01:36 Why is play considered so essential to early childhood development?
02:58 Ways that play benefit neurodivergent kids especially?
05:34 Different types of play
06:29 Physical Play
06:47 Social Play
9:24 Imaginative Play
11:27 How does play help children develop critical skills?
13:32 Imaginative play with emotions
15:06 Developmental Milestones supported through play
17:48 What is joint attention and why is it important?
20:59 Free play vs structured play
23:12 Play is a nutrient and not an indulgence
25:13 What is play based therapy?
28:52 Is there a right way to play?
31:21 How to incorporate augmentive and alternative communication therapy into play?
35:22 On the fence about play based therapy?
36:53 How to contact Kaitlin?
About Kaitlin Mulcahey:
Kaitlin Mulcahey is a pediatric speech language pathologist and the founder of Competent Communicators LLC, a neurodiversity affirming private practice based in East Providence, Rhode Island. Kaitlin specializes in working with neurodivergent children, AAC users, and many children who are non-speaking or minimally speaking. Her practice is rooted in the belief that all children—regardless of diagnosis or communication style—deserve play-based, child-led therapy that meets them exactly where they are. For her, success looks like a child lighting up as they express themselves clearly for the first time or a parent tearing up when their child shares something meaningful.You can find Kaitlin on Instagram at @kaitlinmulcaheyslp, where she shares insights from her practice, therapy ideas, and reminders that all communication is valid.
About Annamarie von Firley:
After 20 years of owning and running her own fashion house, reVamp, Annamarie von Firley returned to her toy design roots. With a BA in Wooden Toy Design and Construction and a BFA in Furniture Design, she took her knowledge of child development and expertise in play to found Adventuretown Toy Emporium in 2016. About Fledglings' Flight:At Fledglings Flight, we understand that every child is unique and deserves the best opportunities for growth and learning. That's why we offer a comprehensive range of play-based exercises specifically designed for children from birth to 3 years of age. These exercises are carefully curated to stimulate their cognitive, motor, and social-emotional development.With our user-friendly app, parents and caregivers have access to a library of engaging exercises that change monthly. You can customize your daily routine by selecting exercises that align with your child's developmental needs. As a Basic Member, you can track your child's milestones and receive insights into their progress. For even more personalized guidance, our Premium Members gain access to a developmental profile.
Follow us:
Fledglings’ Flight: https://www.FledglingsFlight.com/
App: https://app.FledglingsFlight.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fledglingsflight/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@Fledglings.Flight
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FledglingsFlight/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/fledglings-flight/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fledglingsflight/
Music: Purple Planet Music
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By Annamarie von FirleyWhy is play more than just fun and games? In this inspiring conversation with play advocate and therapy expert Kaitlin, we explore how play forms the foundation for child development—especially for neurodivergent children and AAC users. From imaginary play and sensory bins, discover how different types of play support motor skills, emotional regulation, communication, and real-world problem-solving. We challenge outdated myths about “non-functional” play and explain why open-ended, child-led experiences are essential.
🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more expert conversations on child development and therapy!
Timestamps:
01:36 Why is play considered so essential to early childhood development?
02:58 Ways that play benefit neurodivergent kids especially?
05:34 Different types of play
06:29 Physical Play
06:47 Social Play
9:24 Imaginative Play
11:27 How does play help children develop critical skills?
13:32 Imaginative play with emotions
15:06 Developmental Milestones supported through play
17:48 What is joint attention and why is it important?
20:59 Free play vs structured play
23:12 Play is a nutrient and not an indulgence
25:13 What is play based therapy?
28:52 Is there a right way to play?
31:21 How to incorporate augmentive and alternative communication therapy into play?
35:22 On the fence about play based therapy?
36:53 How to contact Kaitlin?
About Kaitlin Mulcahey:
Kaitlin Mulcahey is a pediatric speech language pathologist and the founder of Competent Communicators LLC, a neurodiversity affirming private practice based in East Providence, Rhode Island. Kaitlin specializes in working with neurodivergent children, AAC users, and many children who are non-speaking or minimally speaking. Her practice is rooted in the belief that all children—regardless of diagnosis or communication style—deserve play-based, child-led therapy that meets them exactly where they are. For her, success looks like a child lighting up as they express themselves clearly for the first time or a parent tearing up when their child shares something meaningful.You can find Kaitlin on Instagram at @kaitlinmulcaheyslp, where she shares insights from her practice, therapy ideas, and reminders that all communication is valid.
About Annamarie von Firley:
After 20 years of owning and running her own fashion house, reVamp, Annamarie von Firley returned to her toy design roots. With a BA in Wooden Toy Design and Construction and a BFA in Furniture Design, she took her knowledge of child development and expertise in play to found Adventuretown Toy Emporium in 2016. About Fledglings' Flight:At Fledglings Flight, we understand that every child is unique and deserves the best opportunities for growth and learning. That's why we offer a comprehensive range of play-based exercises specifically designed for children from birth to 3 years of age. These exercises are carefully curated to stimulate their cognitive, motor, and social-emotional development.With our user-friendly app, parents and caregivers have access to a library of engaging exercises that change monthly. You can customize your daily routine by selecting exercises that align with your child's developmental needs. As a Basic Member, you can track your child's milestones and receive insights into their progress. For even more personalized guidance, our Premium Members gain access to a developmental profile.
Follow us:
Fledglings’ Flight: https://www.FledglingsFlight.com/
App: https://app.FledglingsFlight.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fledglingsflight/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@Fledglings.Flight
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FledglingsFlight/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/fledglings-flight/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fledglingsflight/
Music: Purple Planet Music