Autism Institute on Peer Relations and Play

Center for Integrated Play Groups Training, Research and Development

IPG Fact Sheet

Friend 2 Friend Social Learning Society

We offer a variety of services to professionals and parents to support children experiencing difficulties in the areas of peer socialization and play. To address the unique needs of individual children, we tailor our services accordingly:

Seminars-Courses

We presently offer a series of training seminars-courses on Integrated Play Groups at the introductory, intermediate and advanced / mastery levels. Training events may be arranged for professionals and families privately or in collaboration with school districts/SELPAs, universities, parent-professional organizations, community agencies, therapy clinics, medical centers and related programs.

Presentations

In addition to conducting training seminars, we are available to present on a variety of topics relating to our respective areas of expertise. Depending upon the audience, presentations may be more theoretically, research or practice oriented. Presentations may include such topics as: understanding and supporting children with autism spectrum disorders, peer socialization and play in childhood culture and development, inclusive practices in home, school and community settings, qualitative/ethnographic research and evaluation methods.

General Consultation

We offer general consultation to parents/family caregivers, practitioners, researchers and other care providers on a limited, case-by-case basis. For individuals located in the San Francisco Bay Area, arrangements may be made to meet in person in the home, school or other setting. For individuals located outside of the Bay Area, alternative arrangements for consultation may be made via e-mail, telephone and/or video conferencing.

Evaluations

We provide the service of evaluating children and programs on a limited, case-by-case basis. Evaluations generally focus on children's peer socialization and play development and on how program practices and environments may be adequately addressing or improved to address needs in these areas. In some cases, requests are made to determine the appropriateness of educational placement and services with respect to insuring a child's legal right to be educated within the "least restrictive environment" with "access to [typically developing] peers to the maximum extent possible." Evaluation methods typically involve observations, interviews and reviews of relevant documents. The information obtained from these sources is then synthesized into a final report that includes recommendations.

Research Activities

Our institute maintains an active interest in research projects aimed at improving the quality of life for individuals with autism spectrum disorders as well as others with special needs. As a researcher, Dr. Wolfberg's areas of expertise include a specialization in qualitative inquiry with an emphasis on ethnographic research methods.  She offers advising to students and other novice researchers who may be initiating or engaged in research activities.  

Resource Materials

Often as an outgrowth of research activities, our institute supports the development of resource materials that may be beneficial to children, families and programs. We are available to offer advising or participate in the development of awareness packets, manuals, books, videotapes, CDs and games.

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ŠIntegrated Play Groups (IPG) by Pamela J. Wolfberg, 1987, 2008 (all rights reserved)

ŠAutism Institute on Peer Relations and Play, 2000, 2008 (all rights reserved)