About Be My Friend Playgroup
- An Inclusive playgroup that gives children with autism the opportunity to play with typically developing peers
- Aims to promote awareness of diversity while increasing the acceptance spirit among communities about autism
- A play programme initiated by parents and interventionists at GENIUS Kurnia Centre
- Be My Friend Playgroup adapts The Integrated Play Group (IPGs) play model
How Be My Friend Playgroup runs?
- There are four play sessions that encourage each child to play together, accept and support their differences
- Children with autism play with typical peers under the guidance of adult facilitators
- Fun play sessions are tailored according to children’s interests, abilities and needs
“Play is the work child”
– Maria Montessori
Saturday Playgroup
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- Held on Saturday
- Children with autism are from the GENIUS Kurnia centre while typical children are from communities around Kuala Lumpur
- Typical children’s involvement is recruited via Be My Friend Playgroup Facebook
- Parents of children with autism act as facilitators during play session
School Playgroup
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- Aims to improve social and play skills of children with autism before they enroll in primary schools
- Involves collaboration between GENIUS Kurnia and neighboring schools
- Fosters deeper friendship bond among children with autism and typical peers
Be My Friend Campaign
Holds a campaign at primary schools nearby GENIUS Kurnia Center
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- Aims to promote diversities in individuals among pupils in primary schools nearby GENIUS Kurnia Centre
- Shares interactive activities via story-telling, role play and quizzes sessions for pupils to learn how to reach out and be a friend to children with special needs