DISCOVER Permission to Play

In today’s world, play is often squeezed out by packed schedules, academic pressures and endless screen time. Many of us grow up hearing that play is frivolous or only for children. Yet science tells a very different story: play is a biologically necessary part of being human. Play is responsible for fueling joy, learning, connection and resilience at every age. This skill is an invitation to take play a bit more seriously. Research shows that play boosts wellbeing, builds social bonds, sparks creativity and even protects our brains as we age. For autistic individuals, play may take unique forms that are often misunderstood — but when honored, it becomes a powerful pathway to happiness and connection. By intentionally allowing yourself Permission to Play, you will explore the science of play, understand its many forms and learn how giving yourself and others the freedom to play can unlock greater wellbeing, creativity and belonging for all.

EXPLORE Permission to Play

Start exploring the benefits of play to fuel joy and connection at every age.

LEARN

Start here for an overview of this skill and to learn the science and benefits.

PRACTICE

Begin to integrate this skill into your routines to enhance your wellbeing.

TEACH

Help your students learn and apply this skill. A range of free materials is included.

SPREAD

Share the benefits of this skill with your school, family, and others.

Unit Study with print, video and digital resources to practice and teach Permission to Play.

Download our RESOURCE BUNDLE

More Skills of HAPPINESS

Permission To Play

Nature Prescriptions

Sleep for Happiness

Movement for Happiness

Gratitude Letter Writing

Showcase the Good

Positivity Portfolios

Strength Spotting

Jolts of Joy

Character Strengths

What Went Well

PERMA+ Snapshot

View All Skills

How is YOUR Wellbeing?

Take Our Survey

Learn More about the SCIENCE OF HAPPINESS

What parents and educators are saying!

"One of the most challenging parts of teaching ASD students is creating all the materials and resources needed. It is incredibly time consuming. And having the templates already created to work with makes ALL the difference."

— Jill, Educator —

"Access to the skills is free on Proof Positive's website, and it's easy for others to check out for themselves. We are just getting started and already experiencing the impact of prioritizing wellbeing at SARRC. "

— Bethany, Behavior Analyst —

"The partnership with Proof Positive has been instrumental in promoting wellbeing for the professionals working in our crisis services. Professionals who feel supported and valued are more likely to perform at their best, foster a positive work environment, and provide high-quality care to clients."

— Rick, Psychologist —

"Proof Positive is so important because they bring a science-based, fresh perspective on how to do this for both the staff and students. I can implement all the behavior analytic interventions in the world, but it’s not going to bring to our students what partnering with Proof Positive has brought to our students."

— Peter, School Administrator —

"Spreading the science-based skills of happiness is essential as we move toward person-centered teaching."

— Angela, Educator —

"Systematically implementing Proof Positive’s wellbeing skills is having a positive effect on the culture of our entire school."

— Peggy, School Administrator —

"Easterseals Southern California’s partnership with Proof Positive has been vital in applying the principles of positive psychology to create meaningful impact. This collaboration supports the development of strengths-based approaches that empower individuals and communities to thrive."

— Jessica, Speech Language Pathologist —

"Many times happiness is overlooked and not really thought about with our students. Often there is an agenda to just teach and teach and teach and not really think about the student as a whole. So really taking the time to think about happiness in that student as a whole becomes an important aspect to developing a student that is well rounded."

— Angela, Educator —

"Burnout in this field is a thing. And proof positive helps staff look at what they're grateful for, highlight strengths and have a positive approach to each day."

— Jeremy, Educator —

"Many times we think of the deficit instead of looking at the positive in students and that's where positive psychology comes in. Look at what they can do, not what they can’t do. I already see such a difference in what we've incorporated through Proof Positive – people are truly trying to engage with each other."

— Erin, School Nurse —

"Resilience is the superpower that allows us to cope, flex, and love our kids through the hardest moments, all while enabling us to be present and supportive on the happiest days. Positive psychology has helped our entire family-including our son, learn how to nurture this skill, and we are better humans because of it."

— Maria, Parent —

"Proof positive is so important because they bring a science based, fresh perspective on how to do this for both staff and students. If we keep the vision of [wellbeing for all] there’s no telling where we can go."

— Peter, Executive Director, EPIC School —

"We used to believe that when our son was successful, he would find happiness. But the harder we worked toward reaching the traditional goalposts of autism treatment, the further away both of those things felt. When we began incorporating positive psychology, everything shifted. His skill acquisition skyrocketed, and even more importantly, so did his self-esteem. We had it backwards--when our son found happiness, success followed."

— Christina, Parent —

"What proof positive is doing to help support the staff is really shedding light on the importance of happiness in what we do. It shows our staff that we can teach our students and give them these tools to be able to live the good life."

— Angela, Educator —

"Learning the skills of happiness made my whole life better."

— Sebastian —

"I’m so excited … happy me journal."

— Dylan —