The ALP / Playground Approach 

ALP/Playground

Origins of the ALP/Playground Approach

The ALP/Playground Approach emerged from the need to foster deep, meaningful communication through playfulness and shared creative experiences. Rooted in expressive therapy, developmental psychology, and communication theories, it integrates elements of music, movement, and synesthetic interactions to enhance interpersonal connections.

 

Research Supporting the ALP/Playground Approach

While the ALP/Playground Approach has been developed through practical applications and case studies, further empirical research is necessary. Current studies focus on its impact on communication and development in neurodivergent populations, particularly autistic individuals. Research needs include:

​

• Longitudinal studies measuring the effectiveness of ALP/Playground in therapeutic and educational settings.

• Controlled studies comparing ALP/Playground with other therapeutic approaches.

• Analysis of parental and educator engagement and its impact on child development.

 

Transformative steps of ALP/Playground Approach

• Early Development: Initial exploration of playfulness as a bridge for deep communication.

• OperaGame Model Introduction: Establishment of FIND-PLAY-SHARE-CREATE as a structured process.

• ALP/Playground Exercises: Development of core exercises like 'CRUMPLE IT,' 'PUSH THE BUTTON,' ‘I PAINT = YOU SING’ or ‘BOX IT’, 'GIBBERISH IT.'

• Expansion into Research & Training: Ongoing studies in elementary schools with autistic children and structured professional training courses.

 

How Does ALP/Playground Work?

The ALP/Playground Approach functions as a dynamic and immersive experience where participants engage in structured exercises designed to enhance attuned listening, creativity, and relational depth.

​

Playground Session

Sessions can be individual or group-based, following a structure of:​

1. Warm It – Initial engagement with a playful exercise.

2. Perform It – Participation in an ALP/Playground activity.

3. Share It – Reflection and synesthetic communication practice.

4. Create it – In Group Practice – Integration of individual and collective insights. In Individual Practice – The participant engages in self-reflective exercises, exploring personal attunement and playfulness, refining their own communicative and emotional skills through structured activities.

​

Principles of ALP/Playground Approach

1. Developmental Approach: Supports growth through play and reflective interaction.

2. Individual Needs: Adaptable exercises that cater to the unique requirements of each participant.

3. Building Deep Connections: Encourages meaningful relationships and shared creativity.

 

Skills Addressed by the ALP/Playground Approach

The ALP/Playground Approach develops a wide range of skills across cognitive, social, emotional, and creative domains, providing participants with tools to enhance their interactions, adaptability, and self-expression. Below is an in-depth exploration of these skills:

​

• Attuned Listening: Enhancing awareness of verbal and non-verbal cues.

• Emotional Regulation & Coping Mechanisms: Developing tools for self-expression, resilience, and managing emotions effectively.

• Creativity & Playfulness: Encouraging innovative thinking, improvisation, and adaptive problem-solving.

• Interpersonal Communication: Strengthening relational and collaborative skills.

• Executive Functioning: Improving planning, organization, adaptability, and flexibility.

• Synesthetic Perception: Integrating multi-sensory experiences for deeper understanding.

• Empathy & Perspective-Taking: Fostering the ability to connect with different viewpoints.

• Agility & Flexibility: Enhancing the ability to adapt and shift perspectives quickly.

• Sensory Coping Mechanisms: Developing strategies for managing sensory input effectively.

​​

Implementation of the ALP/Playground Approach

• Playground Sessions: Can be structured as mini playgrounds, full-process playgrounds, or large-scale playground events.

• Group and Individual Playgrounds: Sessions are tailored for different settings, ensuring accessibility and relevance.

• Involvement of Parents: The Family Playground program integrates parents into the process, strengthening family communication and relational skills.

 

​

The ALP/Playground Approach is supported by Composing Community Global Org. offers:​

• Training & Development

• Courses: Structured into Levels I-IV for different expertise levels.

• Workshops: Practical applications of ALP/Playground concepts for various professionals.

​

Benefits and Effectiveness of ALP/Playground Approach

For Educators, Therapists, Parents, Families, and Communities:

• Enhances communication skills and emotional expression.

• Strengthens attunement between individuals.

• Provides an inclusive approach to developmental and therapeutic work.

• Encourages creativity and adaptability in social interactions.

 

Comparative Therapeutic Approaches

The ALP/Playground Approach shares similarities with other therapeutic methods while offering unique advantages:

​

• Mentalization-Based Treatment (MBT): Focuses on understanding mental states; ALP/Playground extends this through playful interaction.

• Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT): Emphasizes structured parent-child engagement; ALP/Playground incorporates creative, flexible methodologies for deeper connection.

• Developmental, Individual-differences (DIR Floortime) – A relationship-based approach that emphasizes emotional and social development through interactive play. It focuses on meeting children at their developmental level while building meaningful connections and encouraging engagement through shared activities.

 

Who Can Provide ALP/Playground Services?

Certified ALP/Playground facilitators trained in Levels I-IV can offer services in therapeutic, educational, and community settings.

What to Look for in a Provider?

​

• Know: Their expertise in the ALP/Playground Approach.

• Need: How their approach aligns with your specific goals.

• Ask: About their experience, past implementations, and adaptation capabilities.

• Do: Engage in a trial session or observation to assess compatibility.

​

The ALP/Playground Approach is continuously evolving through research, practitioner feedback, and real-world application. As new insights emerge, the approach adapts, ensuring its relevance and effectiveness in fostering deep, playful, and transformative communication experiences.