A conference based on an early intervention program for young children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), sponsored by Continuing Education at University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, will be held at the Holiday Inn & Convention Center in Stevens Point May 12-15.
The P.L.A.Y. (Play and Language for Autistic Youngsters) Project Professional Conference, aimed at parents, health-care workers, speech and language pathologists, occupational therapists, social workers and educators, will be held May 12 and 13.
Participants of the two-day conference will be introduced to the P.L.A.Y. Project model, watch videos of case studies and be a part of discussions with parents and professionals. They will also learn the latest information on autism research, Greenspan’s six functional developmental levels and how to prescribe activities, methods and techniques to help young children with ASDs.
Master-level certified professionals such as educators, therapists, psychologists and social workers who want to be certified PLAY project home consultants can register for a four-day Agency Training Program offered May 12-15 that includes the P.L.A.Y. Project conference. Contact The Play Project in Ann Arbor, Mich., at 734-997-9088 for more information on how to apply. Applications must be received before April 14.
Conference rates vary and group discounts are available for agencies who register three or more at once. For more information and to register, visit Continuing Education or call 715-346-3838 or 800-898-9472. University credit is available at an additional cost. A block of rooms for the UWSP P.L.A.Y. Project have been reserved at the Holiday Inn & Convention Center (715-344-0200) until April 22.
The P.L.A.Y. Project home consultation program is aimed at children ages 18 months to seven years and is based on the “DIR/floor time” theory of Dr. Stanley Greenspan. Now being offered by more than 60 agencies in 25 states, the program emphasizes the importance of helping parents become their child’s best P.L.A.Y. partner and is designed to help parents ‘woo’ their child out of their isolation in order to increase socialization, improve language and decrease repetitive behaviors. See Continuing Education for more information.
