When it comes to supporting a child’s development, particularly neurodivergent children or those with additional needs, it truly takes a village. At Bloom Play Studio, one of the most critical aspects of providing effective care is ensuring that all professionals involved in a child’s support system are collaborating seamlessly. This team might include a speech pathologist, occupational therapist (OT), psychologist, dietitian, teacher, and any other specialist involved in the child’s development.

Collaborating across disciplines, especially through regular care team meetings, ensures that everyone is on the same page and that the child’s support plan is comprehensive and tailored to their unique needs. In this blog, we explore the importance of this collaborative approach and why it’s a key aspect of Play Therapy.

Why is Collaboration Important?

Every child is unique, and their needs often span multiple areas—social, emotional, physical, and cognitive. For neurodivergent children, it’s common for multiple support systems to be in place. This is where the power of collaboration becomes invaluable.

When allied health professionals work together, they can share expertise, align approaches, and pool their knowledge to ensure that the child receives holistic, consistent support.

As child development expert Dr. Bruce Perry stated, “Relationships are the agents of change, and the most powerful therapy is human love.” When professionals collaborate, they build stronger relationships with each other, the child, and their family, which ultimately enhances the effectiveness of therapy.

The Role of Play Therapy in a Collaborative Care Team

In Play Therapy, the goal is to support children in expressing their emotions, processing experiences, and developing healthy coping mechanisms. Because these therapeutic goals overlap with many other areas of a child’s life—such as their communication, motor skills, and emotional wellbeing—it’s essential for Play Therapists to work closely with other professionals involved in the child’s care.

1. Consistency Across Therapies

A primary benefit of collaboration is ensuring consistency across different therapeutic approaches. For instance, if a child is learning social skills in Play Therapy, it’s helpful for their teacher, speech pathologist, and psychologist to reinforce those same skills in their respective settings. Regular care team meetings enable us to coordinate goals and strategies, ensuring that all professionals are aligned.

This consistency also provides the child with a stronger sense of support and understanding. When all professionals are on the same page, the child’s progress is more cohesive and streamlined.

2. Sharing Observations and Insights

Each professional sees the child in different contexts, which means we all bring unique insights into the child’s behaviour and progress. For example, a Play Therapist might notice emotional triggers during a session, while the teacher observes certain behaviours in the classroom. Regular care team meetings allow us to share these insights and adjust the therapy plan as needed.

As Margaret J. Wheatley wisely said, "Relationships are all there is. Everything in the universe only exists because it is in relationship to everything else. Nothing exists in isolation." Collaboration helps us create these relationships, ensuring that no aspect of the child’s development is overlooked.

3. Addressing Overlapping Areas of Need

Children often have overlapping areas of need that require a multidisciplinary approach. Collaboration allows each professional to contribute their expertise to these overlapping areas. For example, a speech pathologist may focus on communication, while an OT might address sensory needs. In regular care team meetings, we can ensure that all these areas are being addressed holistically.

The Benefits of Regular Care Team Meetings

At Bloom Play Studio, we advocate for regular care team meetings as a key part of our approach to Play Therapy. These meetings allow all stakeholders—parents, therapists, teachers, and other allied health professionals—to come together and review the child’s progress. Here are some benefits of this collaborative approach:

1. Holistic Care Planning

Care team meetings provide a space to develop a well-rounded care plan that addresses all aspects of the child’s development. This ensures the child’s needs are met comprehensively, with input from all the professionals involved.

2. Improved Communication

Care team meetings create a structured environment for open communication between all stakeholders. Parents play an integral role in this process, and their observations are valued alongside those of the professionals. This inclusive approach fosters a collaborative atmosphere where everyone’s voice is heard.

3. Flexible and Responsive Support

As the child progresses, their needs may change. Regular care team meetings allow the team to review progress and adjust the care plan as necessary. This flexibility ensures that the child’s support remains relevant and responsive to their evolving needs.

4. Reduced Gaps in Care

Without regular communication, there’s a risk that some aspects of a child’s care could fall through the cracks. For example, one therapist might not be aware of key progress or challenges in another area of therapy. Care team meetings help bridge these gaps, ensuring all professionals are informed about the child’s progress.

How Parents Can Support Collaborative Care

As a parent, you are a vital part of your child’s care team. Attending care team meetings, sharing your observations, and advocating for your child’s needs are essential in ensuring that everyone is aligned in their approach. You can also facilitate communication between the school, therapists, and other professionals involved in your child’s care.

Encouraging your child to share their thoughts and feelings about their therapy is equally important. Your insights as a parent are invaluable—after all, you know your child best.

Final Thoughts

At Bloom Play Studio, we believe that collaboration is key to providing the best possible support for children. By regularly holding care team meetings that include all professionals involved in a child’s care—Play Therapist, speech pathologist, occupational therapist, teacher, psychologist, dietitian, and more—we ensure that every aspect of a child’s development is addressed in a comprehensive, cohesive way.

If you’re a parent looking to better understand how collaborative care can benefit your child, or if you want to explore how Play Therapy fits into a multidisciplinary approach, contact us at Bloom Play Studio. Together, we can create a support system that truly works for your child.