At 25,000 square feet, the size of the Play-Place for Autistic Children is sprawling, but its purpose is close to the heart: "To provide provide a fun-filled, judgment-free haven of hope for families affected by autism."
The facility at 41105 Technology Park Drive in Sterling Heights is "a unique play-powered environment" and is the brainchild of Shell Jones, mother of a son living with autism.
"We combine recreation and education with a variety of social, occupational and physical therapeutic overtones. Our one-of-a-kind destination focuses on development, life skills, independence, respite relief, resource management and vocational rehabilitation to assist families with the everyday nuances of living with autism. Play-Place for Autistic Children’s bottom line is inclusion, acceptance and support."
The building housing Play-Place for Autistic Children is planning an opening day in August after completing more than $1 million in renovations at its facility near 18 Mile and Dodge Park roads.
Inside, the features packed into Play-Place are part amusement park, part daily necessity, part education, and all are about being happy and getting strong.
There's a merry-go-round for fun and for sensory integration, the birthday bunker for parties, calming centers to manage meltdowns, movie theater Cinema City, a Haircut Hut to take the stress out of a trim, a massive playscape that helps with all sorts of motor, mental, and social functions and Swing Central, where a variety of swings await rides that can aid in treating special needs and just be fun.
Many other services and programs will be offered at Play-Place for Autistic Children, and a bistro and coffee shop, along with a computer cafe, will up the hang-out atmosphere.
Source: Play-Place for Autistic Children
Writer: Kim North Shine
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