Play the key for autistic children
For parents with children on the autism spectrum, even playtime can be a challenging experience. Especially so when other children are involved.
But playtime also represents a significant opportunity to help improve a child’s communication and interaction skills. Which is why Cat Noakes-Duncan is starting a playgroup with a difference. The Naenae mother and trained early childhood teacher has two young boys on the autism spectrum and knows firsthand how difficult it can be for parents looking to do their best after their child is diagnosed.
To help give parents better access to professional support, the playgroup will not just welcome children and their parents but will also feature professionals, such as a speech and language therapist and massage therapist to help children as they play.
Noakes-Duncan said parents often faced waits for such services that were so long their children would miss out on being helped early enough to make much of a difference. The playgroup would also allow parents who had faced the same experiences with autistic children to share advice and frustrations.
‘‘There’s nothing like going through the experience of having your own child diagnosed,’’ she said. ’’I want to share some of my skills and experience as well as being in a group where there are others who have been through it.’’
The playgroup, for children up to the age of five (or six if they hadn’t started school), would be based on free play, with children able to focus on playing with what they were interested in.
To make sure there are no barriers for parents, the sessions will be free.
Friend and neighbour Brynlea Stone, a speech and language therapist, will be helping out at the sessions.
She said accessing specialist services was often difficult for parents.
Engaging with children as they played would help them improve their communication and social skills, she said.
‘‘It’s quite an exciting opportunity for me to see the same kids regularly and be able to actually work with the families.’’
There will be two open days for the Spectrum Playgroup this year, at St David’s Church, Naenae. From 9.30am till 11.30am, October 31, and December 5. Weekly sessions will start in February.