My name is Shell. I started Play-Place because…

Play-Place was conceived after the birth of my first born who was diagnosed with autism at the age of 2-1/2 years old. While his diagnosis was characterized as mild, he did not speak until he was 8 years old. It was the  stares, whispers and other insensitive behaviors that fueled me to start Play-Place.  We are an unparalleled destination of education, therapy, recreation and support geared towards impacting the lives of area families like mine who on a daily basis navigate the journey of special needs.

Play-Place Autism & Special Needs Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization located in Sterling Heights, MI. Play-Place’s mission is to provide a fun-filled, judgment-free, haven of hope for families affected by autism and other special needs. Through a unique play-powered environment, combining education and recreation with a variety of social, occupational and physical therapeutic overtones, Play-Place’s one of a kind model will be a revolutionary compliment to the autism equation of intervention and awareness. Designed to promote cognitive and social development, sensory integration, balance & coordination, endless hours of excitement, as well as professional support services and respite relief for parents and siblings, our curriculum will service all ages. Play-Place’s bottom line focuses on development, life skills and independence to assist families with the everyday nuances of “living with autism.”

We are open to all ages, all diagnoses and all cognitive levels. Parents are required to remain with their children at all times; siblings are welcome here as well.

The opportunity to function in a natural environment is concrete, reinforcing, and assists in providing educational relevancy for autism-affected individuals and mental, social and emotional stability for the parents and siblings. Play-Place’s holistic model of inclusion, acceptance & support encompasses the family as a unit, as opposed to an individual treatment approach. Our vision impacts the individual growth of those affected by autism through therapy, education, inclusion, and social support; family fortitude through respite relief, sustainability and renewal – thwarting the 80% divorce rate of marriages affected by autism; and community empowerment including cost alleviation, awareness & employability.

Play-Place is a nut-free facility. Please do not bring any nuts, including peanuts, into Play-Place.

Market Industry Analysis

Research shows that autism is the fastest growing developmental disorder in the United States and affects more children than cancer, diabetes and AIDS combined. Michigan is the nation’s 4^th state most affected by autism with over 16,000 students enrolled in Michigan schools and approximately 50,000 individuals living in Michigan with an autism spectrum disorder. Located in the heart of Macomb County, Play-Place serves as a unique approach and much needed family support system for the underserved in Macomb, Oakland, Wayne and St. Clair. These four counties combined house approximately 8,000 school-aged autism-affected children and approximately 26,000 adults affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder.