NEW HOPE OF INDIANA THE PLAY PROJECT BY MADDIE BULKLEY COMMUNICATIONS AND ENGAGEMENT SPECIALIST
F
or many children with autism, early intervention is critical to helping improve their social interaction and repetitive self-isolating behaviors/interests. However, many parents don’t know what help is available and which programs would be best for their child. To help provide solutions for families in our community, New Hope of Indiana offers the PLAY Project. The PLAY (Play and Language for Autistic Youngsters) Project is an evidence-based, parent-mediated autism intervention model. According to the program’s website, playproject.org, the PLAY Project was developed by Richard Solomon, MD, a developmental behavioral pediatrician with over 25 years of experience working with children
48
November 2023
who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families. This early intervention program is targeted to children 18 months to 6 years of age who have autism, display signs of autism, or are otherwise neurodivergent. It’s designed to change a participant’s life course while their brains are still developing at a fast rate. Headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the PLAY Project now has over 500 certified and licensed PLAY Project consultants and is implemented in 35 states and 9 countries. The PLAY Project methodology uses play as a form of therapy. According to New Hope Licensed Behavior Therapist and Certified PLAY Project Consultant, Terri Gee, children are more likely to actively participate in therapy if
