Page 13 - CLH DSS 2022 Annual Report

CHILDREN SUPPORT SERVICES

ONTARIO AUTISM PROGRAM SUCCESS

STORY | THE PLAY PROJECT

Crystal and I were urged by our Resource Consultant to enroll in “The Play Project” due to Jack’s
difficulty when playing with his peers and others. Before enrolling he would often play beside his
peers but would not engage in the same activity. Jack would often get stuck in his own agenda, and
would get upset at any input given by his friends if they attempted to play with him. He was often
off in his own world when he would play, oblivious to the fact there were others playing around him.

Then we began the play project. Through working with Vincenzo we have been able to focus on
core play skills such as sensory modality which has allowed Jack to guide the play and has given
us an avenue to introduce modest changes during play. This has really helped us to create much
larger play “circles” and has made for more imaginative storylines. By introducing a change through
sound (mooing cow) or touch (driving a car on his leg) Jack is more willing to entertain the change
and engage with his own farm animal or car. Another big success for Jack, and us, has been the
concept of “taffy pulling”. We have been able to move away from a 3 to 4 step repetitive sequence
and have enjoyed extended periods of play based on the same theme without being stuck in a
constant loop.

Not only has Jack learned different ways to interact and play with others, but we as parents have
learned how to engage and participate in his play at his level, making it more meaningful and fun for everyone. Steve has always been the parent
who was great at playing with Jack, it just seemed to come naturally for him, whereas I often struggled, not quite knowing how to play with
him. More often than not, we would get stuck in the same loop, and that was how we would play. After attending the play project, I not only
gained the skills that I needed to successfully play with Jack, now being able to draw out several circles of play, but I also gained the confidence
needed as a parent.

Jack’s success story doesn’t just include his play with us at home, but at daycare as well. Suddenly we started hearing reports about how Jack
now leads the entire class in imaginary play. On days where he is away, we are told how the atmosphere in the class is different, and how much
he is missed. I contribute a lot of this to the skills he learned with the play project.

Thank you for the opportunity to be involved in this program, it truly is invaluable.

Crystal and Steve

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