Every family I've ever worked with has bemoaned the fact that their kids don't have the chance to interact with typically developing kids in a structured, yet social, environment. After looking around and not finding what these parents wanted, I decided to create it for them. In fall of 2000, my staff and I started up playB.A., an inclusion socialization group for kids with autism and typically developing kids 8-14 years old.

playB.A. integrates play, incidental teaching, and direct instruction, all of which are supervised and delivered by staff trained in ABA and other related service areas. Kids have access to a choice of toys, games, crafts, sports, computer games, musical instruments, and other activities. We also provide music classes, computer instruction, and more. There are also opportunities for more direct instruction, such as some small group instruction, 2:1 peer modeling sessions, and, upon request, some 1:1 ABA instruction.

We really encourage the kids to learn from and interact with each other much more than with us adults. However, we individualize the experience for all our kids in order to make it the best possible place for them to have fun and learn. My staff and I truly love our kids and love helping and watching them have a great time and be themselves in a safe, loving, positive environment.

For details on playB.A., visit the link below to the group's homepage. *****Our enrollment is currently closed, so we're not able to accept new students at this time.***** However, I'm hoping that others might be moved to start their own groups, since there's such a need for other integrated playgroups.

NOTE: The www.playBAgroup.com address no longer exists. You now must enter the playB.A. site through this site.