United Way School’s Out Autism Play Groups

United Way School’s Out Autism Play Groups programs are small, stable groups of children ages 5 to 14 that meet regularly under the guidance of highly trained professionals to play and make friends. Each group consists of no more than three children.

Fall 2020/Spring 2021 Programs

Play Centre Single-Family Programs (in-person programs). We offer single-family in-person play groups (one child with autism and one to two siblings from the same household). We are offering these programs during the Fall Term September to December, and Spring Term March to June 2021. 

Play Centre One to One Play Programs (in-person). Families who do not have siblings to register with their novice player may request in-person one to one play intervention programs with our Master Guide. We are offering these programs during the Fall Term September to December, and Spring Term March to June 2021. 

Online Play Groups. We also offer online Play Groups programs for children ages 7 to 14. Our Unbox & Play Online Play Groups program for children ages 7 to 10. And our RPG (Role Play Game) Online Play Groups for children ages 11 to 14. We are offering these programs during the Fall Term September to December, and Spring Term March to June 2021.

Like all Friend 2 Friend Programs, our United Way School’s Out Play Groups are comprehensive programs that focus on the development of the social, communication, and peer play competencies of all the children participating. The Society provides the following services (all included in the fee):

Pre-Program Services

• Online Family Course
• Program Coordinator intake phone call
• Registration supports as required
• Virtual Transition Visit
• Administrative services (forms, payments, etc.) Families may use Autism Funding or Distance Learning Funding.
• Individualized program design and planning

In Program Services

• Fourteen In-person – Full hour sessions or 6 Online 45minute sessions
• Small stable groups of no more than three children in each group.
• 2 hours per session of programs design, planning, team meetings and data collection
• Affinity-based materials and visual preparations
• Highly trained consistent professional team (1 Master Guide/Program Coordinator, 1 Play Guide)
• Weekly session notes and data collection
• Weekly emails with updates
• All materials purchase and designs
• All visuals designed and created
• Written interim report with individualized goals
• Re-registration consultation (upon request)

Other Services Offered by the Society (fees apply)

• Autism Demystification® Online Course
• Early Childhood and the Autism Spectrum Online Course
• Six Techniques to Enhance Play Online Course – Coming Soon
• Publications

Click here for frequently asked questions.