Intermediate Unit 1 and California University of PA present:
Integrated Play Group
featuring:
Pamela Wolfberg, Ph.D.
San Francisco State University & Autism Institute on Peer Socialization and Play
February 1, 2011
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
California University of PA- 3rd Floor Natali Student Center
Lunch on your own
Professional fee is $50
Scholarship available for Early Intervention partner, for details please contact:
kotchmanr@iu1.k12.pa.us
Register at http://www.solutionwhere.com/iu1/cw/showcourse.asp?2753
Pamela Wolfberg, Ph.D. is associate professor of special education and director of the Autism Spectrum
graduate program (Project Mosaic) at San Francisco State University. She earned her doctorate in 1994 from the
University of California, Berkeley, where she received a distinguished award for outstanding doctoral
dissertation. Her research and practice are centered on peer relations, play and imagination, and childhood
culture as related to the social inclusion of children on the autism spectrum. As originator of the Integrated Play
Groups (IPG) model and founder of the Autism Institute on Peer Relations and Play, she leads efforts to develop
inclusive peer play programs worldwide. Widely recognized as a research-based intervention, the IPG model has
been adopted by numerous schools and community organizations at the local, national and international level.
Dr. Wolfberg has published extensively in peer reviewed journals and academic texts. She is the author of Play
and Imagination in Children with Autism 2nd Edition (2009) and Peer Play and the Autism Spectrum: The Art of
Guiding Children’s Socialization and Imagination (2003), and co-editor of Educating Learners on the Autism
Spectrum: Preparing Highly Qualified Educators (2008). She serves as principal investigator on major research
and training grants and as associate editor for Autism: International Journal of Research and Practice. She has an
active agenda as an invited international speaker and is the recipient of several eminent awards for her
scholarship, research, and service to the community. For more information, visit: www.wolfberg.com or
www.AutismInstitute.com.
Description of Seminar: This introductory seminar addresses the unique and complex challenges children on
the autism spectrum encounter in peer relations and play. Participants will become familiar with the principles
and practices comprising Integrated Play Groups, a model designed to support children with autism (novice
players) in mutually enjoyed play experiences with typical peers/siblings (expert players) within home, school,
community and therapy settings. Based on award-winning research, the IPG model has been found to be
effective in enhancing reciprocal social interaction, communication, play and imagination in children of diverse
ages and abilities with autism, Asperger’s and related social-communicative needs.
Target Audience: Professionals (educators, therapists, related practitioners), parents/family members
Learning Outcomes:
Participants will become familiar with:
• Theories on the nature of autism spectrum disorders, peer relations and play
• Principles of the Integrated Play Groups model
• Methods to assess social and symbolic play variations in children on the autism spectrum
• Methods to guide children’s peer socialization, communication, play and imagination
• Methods for designing supportive play environments
• Methods for designing quality peer play programs
Agenda:
I. Introduction – IPG Conceptual Foundation
• Nature of play and the autism spectrum
• Play’s prominent role in childhood
• Key features of the IPG model
II. Setting the Stage for Play – IPG Program and Environmental Design
• Gathering and preparing the players
• Preparing the play setting
• Structuring the play session
III. Observing Children at Play – IPG Assessment Methods
• Fundamentals of the IPG assessment approach
• IPG Observation Framework
• IPG Assessment Tools
IV. Guided Participation in Play – IPG Intervention Methods
• Monitoring play initiations
• Scaffolding play
• Social-communication guidance
• Play guidance
 Future support and team collaboration