Easterseals Florida Celebrates the Holidays with Free Play-Based Event for Neurodiverse Kids on December 9th

Tampa, FL (November 30, 2023) – Embracing the season’s festive spirit, Easterseals Florida is delighted to ask Hillsborough County households with neurodiverse youngsters ages 12 and below to a particular vacation occasion in Valrico, FL. Taking place on Saturday, December 9th, 2023, from 10 AM to 12 PM, “Connect and Play with Easterseals” gives a holiday-themed expertise stuffed with sensory actions, video games, story time, arts and crafts, music, and extra. The free occasion will probably be held at the web site of the future School for Limitless Learning in the Bloomingdale BayCare Health Hub, 2460 Bloomingdale Avenue. Families are inspired to RSVP to LimitlessLearning@fl.easterseals.com.

The Connect and Play occasion is particularly designed for younger youngsters with autism, ADHD, ADD, dyspraxia, dyslexia, and different neurodiverse circumstances, providing them a first-hand alternative to expertise the advantages of therapeutic play. At the identical time, dad and mom and caregivers get the likelihood to be taught extra about the assets out there via Easterseals Florida’s play-based packages and the sensory-friendly toys beneficial by Easterseals employees, simply in time for vacation gift-giving.

Jenn Siffermann, Vice President of Programs for Easterseals Florida, stated, “Play-based studying gives many benefits for each the little one and oldsters/caregivers. Play gives a pure outlet for youngsters to precise feelings, improve communication & problem-solving expertise, social talent growth, self-exploration, and adaptability to be taught primarily based on particular person wants. Play gives alternatives and experiences for youngsters to construct belief via shared experiences and permits dad and mom/caregivers to have an lively position of their little one’s growth.”

December’s Connect and Play occasion is only one instance of the play-based therapies which are at the coronary heart of lots of Easterseals’ Tampa Bay packages, together with The PLAY Project (Play and Language for Autistic Youngsters) and the new Easterseals School for Limitless Learning, opening in mid-2024.

The PLAY Project is an evidence-based, in-home, intensive play-based early intervention program for youngsters ages 2 to six who’re on or suspected to be on the autism spectrum. Through guardian coaching, this 10-month program empowers households to work on intervention expertise, enhancing language, growth, and social expertise via PLAY. This program was developed by Dr. Rick Solomon, primarily based on the DIR (Developmental Individualized Relationship-based) idea of Dr. Stanley Greenspan.

Expanding upon play-based therapies even additional, the Easterseals School for Limitless Learning will probably be uniquely targeted on the instructional wants of infants, toddlers, and youngsters as much as second grade who’re neurodiverse or have associated disabilities. The new non-public college will make the most of the DIRFloortime® mannequin as a foundation for curriculum and can provide two specialised packages, a 10-month decrease elementary program (preschool to second grade) and a year-round early childhood program (6 weeks of age to 3 years), alongside with earlier than and after-school care, care throughout college breaks, and STEAM summer season camps.

With play as a serious focus, the non-public college’s safe campus may also characteristic a boundless playground and a state-of-the-art indoor sensory room. The aim of the Easterseals School for Limitless Learning is to supply an inclusive and supportive studying setting, designed to assist particular wants college students attain developmental milestones via hands-on actions and construct a wholesome basis for future progress.

For extra details about the Connect and Play occasions or the School for Limitless Learning, please contact Easterseals at LimitlessLearning@fl.easterseals.com or name 813-236-5589. For extra details about The PLAY Project, e-mail PLAY@fl.easterseals.com or name 813-988-7633, ext. 11606.