The Play-Based Remote Enrichment to Enhance Development Program or PRETEND, is an innovative intervention designed for children with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) and their families. It was born through the collaboration of Drs. Anastasia Dimitropoulos and Sandy Russ at Case Western Reserve University.

It is known that children with PWS often exhibit problems with making and sustaining friendships, understanding emotions, and acting appropriately in different settings. In typical children and children with autism, play-based interventions focusing on pretend or imaginative play have been shown to reduce these issues and improve social cognition.

Our latest project is focused on the dissemination of the Expansion Platform – making PRETEND even more accessible to children and families.

Our Expansion project, like our earlier work, is designed to be completed from the comfort of your own home. All you need is internet access!

We know you’re busy. That’s why our program was built with flexibility in mind. There’s no need to schedule appointments, simply hope on whenever you have time.

Kids love playing, and we love it, too! Imaginative play can be a great platform for working through emotions and practicing tough social skills.

Stay tuned for more updates on PRETEND Expansion!