About the Practice
When a young child is waiting for autism assessment, parents still need something useful to do now. Sheffield Children’s Playing Together Pathway supports Sheffield families with play-based and counselling-style emotional wellbeing support for children who need more than another conversation at the kitchen table. The focus is safer expression, stronger connection and practical understanding for the adults around the child.

Clinical Expertise
Play-based parent guidance for early communication and interaction

Autism assessment waiting, early communication, interaction, parent strategies and everyday play routines

Most children on the pathway have also been referred for autism assessment, making this a relevant early SEND support route

Why Work With Us?
Sheffield NHS Play-Based Pathway: Parents can see the therapist role, membership route and safeguarding position before trusting someone with their child’s inner world.

Early Communication and Interaction Support: Play, creative work and counselling-style support help children communicate through action, story, art, movement and relationship when direct questions only make them close down.

Parent and School Connection: Parents can learn practical play strategies while waiting for longer assessment routes to move.