Play to Learn

Play to Learn is designed to support the social communication of autistic children. It consists of a range of evidence-informed support strategies based on the principles of Naturalistic Developmental Behaviour Interventions. This programme uses naturally occurring activities (e.g., care routines) and relationships with whānau (e.g., parent-child play interactions) to facilitate opportunities for autistic children to learn new skills and behaviours related to social communication.

Play to Learn is part of the wider Waiora Tamariki research programme and cost-free nationwide clinical service. Waiora Tamariki is designed to promote the health and wellbeing of autistic children and their whānau by offering support options for child sleep, eating/feeding, and toilet training difficulties, as well as caregiver mental health.

Based out of the  Pukemanu Centre at the University of Canterbury, the team have many years of experience in the assessment and treatment of such difficulties, meaning our families benefit from the latest evidence-based approaches.

To make a referral or to self-refer, go to our referrals page.