Let's Play

Play is self-chosen and self-directed; intrinsically motivated; guided by mental rules; imaginative; and conducted in an active, alert, but relatively non-stressed frame of mind. How neurodivergent students play may be different from their neurotypical peers, but it's not wrong and does not need to be fixed. This session will focus on how to find and nurture the strengths and interests of neurodivergent early learners, accept their play as valid by joining in, and use strategies such as modeling and social play chains to promote authentic connections and growth. We will explore Parten’s 6 stages of play and learn new ways to promote interaction and language across each stage. Participants will gain a better understanding of what it means to "follow the child's lead" to ensure more positive and meaningful interactions.

Target Audience:

Special education teachers, interventionists, coaches, special education liaisons, speech therapists

This training is specifically for teachers working with early learners with higher support needs in the areas of communication, play, and social reciprocity. This training might benefit you if you have learners that: are non-speakers with emerging language or early communicators working to develop functional language, non-traditional, repetitive or stereotypical play, and/or do not respond or initiate social bids for attention.

This training would not be beneficial for teachers that support learners in later stages of play, including those working on game play, navigating social interactions with peers, and/or more complex use of materials for leisure activities.

Act 48 Hours: 5 Act 48 hours will be awarded after the training

Cost: There is no cost to attend this training

Registration Priority: Educators who work for LEAs in the AIU3 region will have priority registration

Date: October 20, 2026

Time: 8:30am-3:00pm

Location: Flexible Instruction Room, AIU 475 East Waterfront Drive, Homestead, PA 15120

Registration Questions:

Karen Duncan, Administrative Support

Training Content Questions:

Amanda Zimmer, Training and Consultation Coordinator

amanda.zimmer@aiu3.net

Reasonable efforts will be made to accommodate individuals who have special needs as addressed by the Americans with Disabilities Act and who need assistance at this event.