Two LCCAA Head Start classrooms are implementing a new program designed to help autistic children reach their full potential.

The PLAY Project (Play and Language for Autistic Youngsters) is an evidence-based approach to improving social interactions for autistic children.

Professionals trained in PLAY add new tools to their classrooms improving early intervention and providing practical support to children and families.

LCCAA’s Education and Disabilities Specialist Jennifer Bartlebaugh said the agency is piloting the PLAY Project because of a marked increase in autistic diagnoses and behaviors in the Head Start classrooms.

“We wanted to provide support to our classroom teachers,” Bartlebaugh said. “Since COVID, we’ve seen more autism diagnoses and more non-verbal children.”

One possible reason for this increase is the lack of social time caused by the pandemic. Bartlebaugh said many parents became parents in isolation and may not know what typical development and preschool behavior looks like.

The PLAY Project training is offered by the Lorain County Board of Developmental Disabilities as an in-kind contribution to LCCAA Head Start, Bartlebaugh said. Heather Noble from the Board visits the two classrooms working with both students and teachers.

“She helps give us different tools that correspond with their goals,” said Ashley Evans, one of the teachers implementing PLAY.

Evans said it has been especially helpful with children who are not speaking.

“We have dealt with children who don’t have that communication piece,” Evans said. “We’re taking little steps to try to reach them and breaking goals down into small tasks.”

Evans said she has seen a great deal of improvement in some of the children who previously would not speak or who collapsed under sensory overload.

Research is clear that children learn best through play. The PLAY project shows teachers – and parents – how to engage autistic children in playful ways that promote their development.

Learn more about the PLAY Project by clicking here.