An underlying principle of the Supportive Play Model (SPM) is the centrality of play as a means (and an end) through which development is enhanced, and a belief that all children can weave some understanding of their unique development into their personal inner world. The first two chapters in Part I provide the philosophical and historical background and a descriptive overview of the Supportive Play Model, including a chart that can be used with all the cases. Part II contains four case studies that deal with developmental issues often seen in young children with special needs and illustrate the formulation and application of SPM as it can be used with these children. Included with the first case is a completed SPM chart.