The Learning Spectrum’s p.l.a.y. program is a 7 week creative arts class for students and siblings that focuses on drama, music and art.

The classes meet each Saturday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., through February 25. The first class was January 14.

The p.l.a.y. program is loosely based on Dr. Seuss stories, and uses the sensory drama games from the Hunter Heartbeat Method. The Hunter Heartbeat Method, developed by Kelly Hunter, encourages special awareness, facial expressions and the use of motor skills to act out selections of Shakespeare’s text.

Our very own Aaron Lopez, Master of Fine Arts, OSU, and professional actor, has been trained in the method, and is bringing the program to us. Rebecca Townsend, MT-BC, leads music therapy, and our Art Specialist, Lynne Kirby, leads the crafts.

During the p.l.a.y. classes, students create dramatic play based on their own creations. They spend an hour of playtime in drama, 30 minutes creating props in art, and 30 minutes composing their own music. They are divided into two groups based on age, and will come together to produce a play during the final class.

Openings are still available for students who are interested.

While the students are at p.l.a.y., adults are offered a special resource, called “h.e.l.p.” H.e.l.p stands for “helping educate loving parents” and features a series of speakers respected in the autism community. The focus is to help parents understand what’s happening with their child, how to obtain funding, and how to advocate for their child. The sessions are free and open to anyone who has an interest in learning more about autism.

Our first h.e.l.p. speaker was Sondra Williams, our School/Home/Community Liaison, who is also a national speaker and autism advocate. Sondra has autism, and has raised four kids on the spectrum. Her presentation focused on her own life experiences, including a video of her life entitled “The Leprechaun’s Wife.”

Upcoming h.e.l.p. speakers include Jon Peterson, who will answer questions about his scholarship; Kathi Machle, who will discuss county funding; Kevin Bacon, a Senator and attorney specializing in special needs trust; and advocates Melissa Satterfield and Becca Eslinger, who will provide tips for parents on advocating for their child.

For more information about p.l.a.y. or h.e.l.p., or to register, contact The Learning Spectrum at 614-844-5433.