Brown, D. C. (2025). We Chose Play: Raising an Autistic Child to Thrive and Feel Understood. Tellwell Publishing.
The Book
We Chose Play chronicles one family’s journey of choosing play over intensive behavioural intervention by embracing a developmental, relationship-based approach following an autism diagnosis. This heartfelt
narrative reveals how focusing on each child’s unique individuality and prioritizing play fosters joy and meaningful progress in their development.
We Chose Play is a testament to a joyful autism journey that begins with recognizing and building on strengths, even when additional supports are necessary. It inspires and provides hope for those hearing anything but that from others. By applying principles from the Developmental, Individual differences, Relationship-based (DIR®) model, caregivers can forge deep connections with their autistic children and, in the process, experience profound personal growth.
There’s nothing quite like witnessing a child’s development through their functional emotional developmental capacities (FEDCs) and realizing the power of influencing that developmental trajectory by playfully engaging with their interests. DIRFloortime® offers this invaluable gift.
DIR®, DIRFloortime®, and Floortime® are trademarks of ICDL, Inc.
Book Sample
You can read a sample of the book at any of the Amazon links below.
Where to Find the Book
Here are a few links, but you can also check your preferred book seller:
Australia:
Canada:
- Indigo (e-book, paperback, hardcover)
- Kobo e-book
- *Amazon
- Barnes and Noble in the USA (shipping to Canada starts at about $15)
United Kingdom:
* Caution: Third-party sellers will price the book much higher than the standard price. Wait for the “sold by amazon” price to appear.
Dedication
I dedicate this book to the caregivers of neurodivergent children who face the misunderstandings, stigma, and challenges placed upon them and their children. Through my story, I hope to offer the hope, encouragement, and support I’ve found through play by embracing DIRFloortime®.
About the Author
Daria C. Brown holds a master’s degree in Personality and Social Psychology from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. She has worked in the fields of research, evaluation, and education for over 30 years at universities, not-for-profits, and in government. After her only child experienced severe brain inflammation at the age of two and received an autism diagnosis, Daria began searching for ways to support his development. She chose play over intense behavioural therapy. Daria has been dedicated to supporting parents by providing resources through her blog and podcasts at affectautism.com, and as the Parent Advocate for the International Council on Development and Learning. She currently resides in the suburbs of Toronto.
