Gateways Early Intervention Therapy Playgroup supports Geelong special needs children and families

Supportive play groups in Geelong are bringing relief and joy to families of kids with special needs.

Supportive play groups are bringing relief and joy to families of kids with special needs.

Kate Spencer had all but given up on mainstream playgroups for her youngest son, 4-year-old Archie Sexton, when she learned about Gateways Early Intervention Therapy Playgroup.

“I’d had such bad experiences with typical playgroups because they made me feel ostracised. It was such a daunting experience going to regular playgroups and Archie hated it,” the Highton mum-of-four said.

“I was reluctant to try again, but at the Early Intervention Playgroup I soon saw that Archie was celebrated for being himself.”

Finding a group that not only embraced and nurtured her child, but also did not judge her parenting was game-changing for Ms Spencer.

“It’s not just a great playgroup for the kids, it is also an awesome group of mums and dads who are there to help you,” she said.

“The other parents get your experience, so you can bounce ideas around and they genuinely share in your child’s progress. It is so nice not to feel alone.”

Archie was diagnosed with autism about two years ago.

At the Early Intervention Therapy Playgroup, Archie and his family found a place of support, acceptance and encouragement.

Gateways runs its Early Intervention Therapy Playgroups in Geelong and western Melbourne.

The weekly sessions – funded under NDIS Early Childhood Early Intervention – are conducted jointly by an occupational therapist and a speech pathologist, who work with the child and parents to develop a range of social, communication, physical and self-management skills.

Archie Sexton and his mum Kate Spencer at Gateways Early Intervention Therapy Playgroup, which helps young kids with special needs. .

Early Intervention Therapy Playgroup Speech Pathologist Clare Glazebrook says that in addition to building developmental skills, the sessions also familiarise children with indoor play, group music, snack time, story time and outdoor play.

Ms Spencer says Archie was able to successfully attend three-year-old kinder while still attending playgroup sessions.

She said her son is more than ready to step confidently into four-year-old kinder this year.

“Through attending the playgroup he was able to get used to having other kids in his space,” she said.

“He can now tolerate other people singing and has learned how to make requests using picture exchange communication.

“I would definitely recommend people go along and try it out.”

Registrations for the 2021 program close January 29.

The playgroups are for pre-kinder aged children (about 2-4 years), and families require Early Childhood Early Intervention NDIS funding to enrol.

For more information visit www.gateways.com.au/information/early-intervention-therapy-playgroups

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Originally published as Gateways Early Intervention Therapy Playgroup supports Geelong special needs children and families