Section 11
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Playpak and
Leckey’s Early Activity System, (EAS)?
Playpak has taken the concept of Leckey’s
EAS and simplified it for regular use within a
family environment. Portability, affordability
and development through family participation
were key objectives when designing Playpak.
An online animated Therapy Guide is available,
designed to help families take part in a variety
of everyday back lying, tummy lying and sitting
activities with their child.
The EAS continues to be more clinically-focused
and larger product, containing components
which facilitate more complex therapeutic
positions, such as side-lying and four-point
kneeling. The Activity Development Programme
is a comprehensive printed booklet that comes
with the purchase of an EAS. It is designed
to allow therapists to work through activities
with parents, as part of an early development
programme.
How do I know if Playpak is suitable for my
child?
Playpak has been designed for special
needs babies and kids ranging from birth to
approximately 48 months and Gross Motor
Function Classification Scale (GMFCS) levels
I-V, depending on their level of physical
development.
In its most basic function, Playpak facilitates
back lying, which is the most fundamental and
secure position from which to work on physical,
cognitive, sensory, and communication skills
that provide the building blocks to more
complex skills for your child. As a result,
Playpak should be suitable for them to use,
however if you are in any doubt, consult your
therapist for advice.
For more information on the different
positions and activities that can be achieved
with Playpak, go to www.fireflyfriends.com/
playpak to watch the animated Playpak
Therapy Guide, or to Section 9.3 of this
booklet.
How long should I use Playpak for each
session?
You may find your child likes some positions/
activities more than others, and these will
most likely be the ones they are happy and
able to do for longer.
This may depend on whether your child’s
muscles are tight (high tone) or floppy (low
tone), their level of development, or tolerance
of certain positions. Some positions may
need to be avoided for medical reasons, and
others will need to be encouraged, even if
your child is not keen at the start.
Some positions may not be medically
advisable for your child. It is important that,
if in any doubt, you take advice from your
therapist(s) about the best positions in which
to place your child and for how long.
If your child is in any discomfort, take them
out of that position and either have a rest or
try something a little easier.
Bear in mind that the time of day and your
child’s mood will also have an effect on how
long it will be appropriate to use Playpak for
each session.
How many times per week should I use
Playpak?
If your child enjoys and is happy achieving a
variety of positions using Playpak, then a daily
therapy routine incorporating Playpak time may
be helpful.
Regular practice is important when training the
brain to make important early connections.
Taking part in developmental games and
programmes, such as the ones suggested
with Playpak on a daily basis, can also help
reduce irritability and improve physical, sensory,
communication and independence skills.
What activities should we do with Playpak?
There are so many possibilities! See www.
fireflyfriends.com/playpak to watch the
animated Playpak Therapy Guide, or go to
Section 9.3 of this booklet.
My child has quite high/low muscle tone.
Can they use Playpak?
If your child has extremes of tone, they may find
it harder to achieve and sustain some positions.
In this case it is important to go at their pace,
and to alternate challenging positions with
easier ones until they build and develop their
abilities a little more.
My child does not like certain positions –
what should I do?
It’s possible that your child either finds the
positions or activities too difficult, or they’re
uncomfortable. Again, take a break and have a
rest. You can revisit the challenging position or
activity later.
My child has a visual impairment. Can they
use Playpak?
Yes. Playpak provides a safe way for a child
with visual impairment to play and develop.
In a supportive position, with their hands
free to explore their surroundings, it’s a good
idea to incorporate the use of sensory toys to
develop your child’s sensory and perceptual
awareness.
If you would like ideas on different positions
and activities, go to www.fireflyfriends.com/
playpak to watch the animated Playpak
Therapy Guide, or to section 9.3 of this
booklet.
Is there any reason why I should not use
Playpak with my child?
There are so many possibilities for simple,
safe play and development activities
with Playpak that we don’t anticipate any
problems. However, as some positions may
not be medically recommended for your
child to use, it’s very important that you seek
advice from your therapist(s) if you are in any
doubt about the best position(s) to place your
child in.
