Meet PLAY Project!
As part of our focus on children and the Tree of Hope Campaign, we are highlighting our Family Development program. This week, we’re featuring PLAY Project, a national program that DSC is able to offer to families locally. PLAY (Play & Language with Autistic Youngsters) is an evidence-based program for toddlers and preschoolers.
The therapy helps parents to reach their child when they’re having difficulties with communication and social interactions. In most cases, the child is showing signs of autism or has already received a diagnosis. Some of those indicators include difficulty with communication and social interaction, lack of eye contact, some form of repetitive/restrictive behavior, or difficulties in sensory processing. If you think your child might be showing some of these signs or behaviors, DSC’s Certified PLAY Project Consultant suggests getting a referral for Early Intervention (if under the age of 3) and seeking out a Developmental Pediatrician, who can give you a referral for therapies like PLAY Project.
PLAY therapy happens via visits to the families' homes. The PLAY Project Consultant will capture video and write reviews on these videos, and create a PLAY Plan based on each individual child and the family’s needs. However, DSC may be able to offer PLAY Project to families with children outside of the Early Intervention ages through local/county grant funding.
Certified PLAY Project Consultants have gone through training to receive their PLAY Project certification in addition to meeting other qualifications to be eligible to go through the training. If a child is receiving Early Intervention services, the family can add Play Project to their IFSP (Individual Family Service Plan) and it will be covered through Early Intervention. Once a child turns three, Early Intervention will not cover the program. However, DSC may be able to offer PLAY Project to families with children outside of the Early Intervention ages through local/county grant funding.
For more information about PLAY Project, or Family Development, please call the Director of Family Development, Nicole Smith at (217) 356-9176.
