NDIS and Play Therapy
Play therapy is a powerful tool within the framework of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), facilitating capacity building, emotional regulation, and social skill development. Through carefully structured play activities tailored to individual needs and goals, play therapy enables participants to enhance their cognitive abilities, communication skills, and problem-solving capabilities.
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Moreover, by engaging in play-based interactions, individuals can explore and express their emotions in a safe and supportive environment, fostering emotional regulation and resilience. Additionally, play therapy promotes social skill development by encouraging cooperation, turn-taking, and perspective-taking during interactive play sessions.
By aligning with NDIS goals, play therapy empowers individuals with disabilities to achieve their full potential and participate meaningfully in their communities.
How Can Play Therapy Help?
Social Skills Development: development of social skills such as turn-taking, sharing, cooperation, and communication, which are essential for individuals to interact effectively with others.​
Emotional Regulation: exploring and expressing emotions, teaching coping strategies, and developing self-regulation skills.​
Behaviour Management: learn appropriate behaviours, manage challenging behaviours, and develop positive coping mechanisms to deal with stressors and triggers in their environment.​
Sensory Integration: help regulate their sensory experiences and improve their ability to process and respond to sensory stimuli.​
Cognitive Development: promote cognitive development, including problem-solving skills, decision-making abilities, and enhancing cognitive flexibility.​
Self-Esteem and Confidence Building: boost self-esteem and confidence by providing opportunities for success, positive reinforcement, and fostering a sense of competence and mastery over challenges.​
Relationship Building: develop and improve their relationships with peers, family members, and caregivers by practicing social skills, empathy, and understanding boundaries.​
Trauma Processing: offer a non-threatening way to process and make sense of their experiences, express their feelings, and work towards healing and resilience.​
Parent/Caregiver Support and Education: Play therapy can involve parents or caregivers in the process, providing them with strategies, techniques, and insights to support their child's development, enhance their relationship, and address specific challenges.​
Integration and Inclusion: integration and inclusion of individuals with disabilities into their communities by fostering skills and abilities that enable participation in social, recreational, and educational activities.​
These goals can be tailored to the unique needs, strengths, and preferences of each individual receiving play therapy services privately or under the NDIS, with the aim of promoting their overall well-being and quality of life.​
Research Evidence for Play Therapy
Research and Evidence-Based Resources for Child-Centered Play Therapy: www.evidencebasedchildtherapy.com
The American Association for Play Therapy: www.playtherapy.org
The Centre for Play Therapy: www.centreforplaytherapy.com.au