Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Gianatasio.
Hi Mary, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Mary Gianatasio. I’m a developmental psychologist and I specialize in working with children with developmental differences.
I started out as a teacher at a developmental preschool at one of the first inclusive programs in Chicago. About half of the staff there were speech-language pathologists, and I was so fascinated with their field and knowledge. I spent so much time in their offices asking questions about how I could help support the children in my class with developmental differences. From them, I learned about an approach to intervention called DIR (Developmental, Individual Differences, Relationship-based) Therapy developed by Stanley Greenspan and Serena Wieder.
I took a really deep dive into learning about this model, and I received degrees in pediatric mental health and certifications that aligned me closer with the work. I decided that I wanted to find a DIR purist and mentor–and I did. She was amazing, and she helped me to learn more about this really connected way of working with children. We developed a preschool program together, and I began working with children at home, but ultimately, our partnership didn’t work out, and I moved to LA and later to San Diego. Now, I work with children one on one in schools and at home, and I supervise a small group of therapists who work with me supporting children in their private schools. I kept pushing my way into the offices of more brilliant people and kept learning as much as I could across disciplines in our field. I have built my practice from the referrals of schools, occupational and speech therapists, and pediatricians.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I feel lucky that, for me, I was guided by kind and forward-thinking professionals who have always been respectful and affirming of neurodivergence. I have always felt proud of the path that I took to get here and that I never engaged or learned about practices that are harmful or not respectful of autism or individual differences. When I moved to California, I was surprised to learn that the DIR model was not mainstream, and I definitely felt a bit alone for a while in my work and how I was viewing children–working with a bottom-up model vs. a top-down model like some of the common behavioral interventions.
It ended up being a good thing for me, and I started getting referrals based on the fact that I wasn’t using behavioral models. I found my people who “get it,” and I’ve been able to continue to work with children in exactly the way I’m inclined, and I believe is right!
Covid was hard for me. All of my colleagues tried to talk me into telehealth, but I love being with children in person so much and believe so much about the social world and play is nuanced, and the idea of doing work over Zoom just felt off to me, and I could never orient around it. I decided to shift my work to help parents support and build connection with their children through some play routines and ideas I would offer them, and this was a better model for me and very in line with the DIR model as well!
I also had three children in two and a half years; did I mention that part? Hah! Parenthood has been a profound and humbling experience and has helped me to connect even more strongly to caregivers and their journey.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
My company is called Therapeutic Play LA, and I primarily work to support children with developmental differences and their families. I also help work with private schools to introduce them to ideas for accommodations and supports for these students in the form of advocacy. Mostly, I have a very close working relationship with schools, but I do push them because I believe strongly in inclusive education models and the rights of students with learning or developmental disabilities.
I believe I’m known for being easy to connect and work with, and I usually become extremely close with the children and families I see. I keep in touch with them forever, and now I’m old enough to have seen a lot of preschool students I worked with go off to college!
I specialize in the nervous system. People sometimes call me an Autism or ADHD specialist, but really, those are also sensorimotor and nervous system differences! I specialize in helping caregivers feel like their children aren’t broken, and I try to help them to gain a greater understanding of their loved ones.
Contact Info:
- Website: therapeuticplayla.com
Image Credits
Jens Lucking Photography
Morgan Clare Photography
