Autism is a neurodevelopmental difference that impacts how a person experiences and perceives the world around them. Individuals with an autism diagnosis often have differences in the way they communicate, play, or engage with others. Because of the way their brain interprets the world around them, they may be overwhelmed easily, especially with how they process sensory input. Autism is not bad or wrong. It does not mean anti-social, poorly behaved, or unintelligent. It doesn’t mean a child won’t make progress, communicate, have friends, excel in school, have a job, get married, or anything else. Autism is not a word to be avoided and is not anything to be ashamed of. It is simply a difference in the brain. When you visit us for autism therapy in Kansas City, our therapists emphasize and celebrate your child’s unique strengths.

What are some of the strengths associated with autism?

Excellent memory skills: May remember words from books, scripts from movies, directions in travel/maps, experiences, passwords, etc. Hyperfocus: May be able to hyperfocus in areas of interest, spending hours experimenting and learning how items work. May know many facts or have extensive knowledge about specific topics. Attention to detail: Often overlooked as a weakness for “missing the big picture,” but many individuals are very observant, thorough, and detail oriented. Analytical: May have excellent, methodical problem-solving skills and see patterns that others miss. Often excel in math, science, technology, or engineering. Creative thinking: May think “outside of the box” to create amazing works of art, stories, or solve problems in unique or unexpected ways. Strong sense of justice: May avoid telling lies, be very loyal, be a rule follower, and have a strong sense of what they perceive to be right and wrong. Hyperlexia: May learn numbers and letters early, and/or teach self to read—often without adults even realizing. Accepting of others’ differences: Generally not judgmental and very tolerant of differences. Visual learner: May have a good visual memory, think in pictures, or have picture memories. Our society does not always highlight these strengths in individuals with autism. However, when you visit us for autism therapy in Kansas City, that is exactly what we do. We help your child cultivate and embrace their many strengths. Historically, there has been a stigma associated with having an autism diagnosis. In the future, we should expect to continue hearing from autistic voices about how their strengths enable them to accomplish incredible tasks. People with autism advance our society in innumerable ways. It is important for parents, teachers, and caregivers to focus on each child’s unique strengths. We can help them channel their energy in positive ways, maximizing the natural talents that come from their brain differences!

My child is nonverbal. Can Playabilities provide services for them?

Yes! Our occupational, physical, and speech therapists often provide wrap-around therapy and are highly trained in working with children with various needs, including children who are nonverbal. We also provide you with tools to help your child’s verbal development and we may provide alternative or complimentary communication strategies to help your child express their wants and needs. When you come to us for autism therapy in Kansas City, our team will individualize care for your family.

Autism Therapy in Kansas City

Giving Children the Tools They Need

In a society where autism is often portrayed in a negative light, we battle that stigma by celebrating your child’s strengths. We help children discover and cultivate their unique superpowers, like excellent memory skills and attention to detail, while navigating common challenges, including:

Social interaction and communication struggles
Sensory processing differences
Volume and tone when speaking
Taking language literally
Trouble grasping nonverbal cues

Your Child Deserves
the Best Care

We understand your child’s unique needs and we’re dedicated to providing them with individualized therapy. Request an evaluation to get started at Playabilities!

Request Evaluation

Frequently Asked Questions

Excellent memory skills: May remember words from books, scripts from movies, directions in travel/maps, experiences, passwords, etc.
Hyperfocus: May be able to hyperfocus in areas of interest, spending hours experimenting and learning how items work. May know many facts or have extensive knowledge about specific topics.
Attention to detail: Often overlooked as a weakness for “missing the big picture,” but many individuals are very observant, thorough, and detail oriented.
Analytical: May have excellent, methodical problem-solving skills and see patterns that others miss. Often excel in math, science, technology, or engineering.
Creative thinking: May think “outside of the box” to create amazing works of art, stories, or solve problems in unique or unexpected ways.
Strong sense of justice: May avoid telling lies, be very loyal, be a rule follower, and have a strong sense of what they perceive to be right and wrong.
Hyperlexia: May learn numbers and letters early, and/or teach self to read—often without adults even realizing.
Accepting of others’ differences: Generally not judgmental and very tolerant of differences.
Visual learner: May have a good visual memory, think in pictures, or have picture memories.

Our society does not always highlight these strengths in individuals with autism. However, when you visit us for autism therapy in Kansas City, that is exactly what we do. We help your child cultivate and embrace their many strengths.

Historically, there has been a stigma associated with having an autism diagnosis. In the future, we should expect to continue hearing from autistic voices about how their strengths enable them to accomplish incredible tasks. People with autism advance our society in innumerable ways.

It is important for parents, teachers, and caregivers to focus on each child’s unique strengths. We can help them channel their energy in positive ways, maximizing the natural talents that come from their brain differences!

Playabilities Resources

Your go-to spot for tips, tools, and strategies.

We’ve done a lot of research, read a lot of books, and discovered helpful organizations over the years. These resources can make a difference in your journey—which is why we’ve gathered them in one place.

View All Resources Online Course

The Playabilities Process

Request Evaluation

Once you’re ready to explore autism therapy in Kansas City at Playabilities, simply complete our online evaluation request form. We take care of paperwork and insurance. No need to worry about getting a script for therapy from the doctor, obtaining an authorization, or verifying coverage. You can rest easy knowing you’re in the hands of experts.

Evaluation

We begin your child’s journey by clinically evaluating their needs. Next, your therapist determines the just-right therapeutic approach. They educate your entire family, provide helpful strategies, and recommend a treatment plan for your child. Based on the therapy goals they establish with you, they’ll map out the process for growing your child’s strengths.

Treatment

Your child is unique, and your therapist understands this. They develop a personalized, play-based approach that builds your child’s confidence, improving their quality of life. We also provide your family with additional training and help you develop your support network—we even encourage parents to join therapy sessions!

Transition

Through play and collaboration, we ensure that your child meets their goals and graduates from Playabilities. If necessary, we suggest additional services or programs that will provide continuity of support. Our goal is to give your family everything you need to thrive beyond Playabilities.

Get to Know Us!

We love what we do. Meet the team that’s dedicated to providing the best possible treatment and care for our clients every step of the way.

Meet the Team Locations

What Families Are Saying…

My son has been seeing his OT for almost a year now and has made incredible improvement. She connected us with a Speech Therapist as well and could not be happier with…

Tiffany

My son has been seeing his OT for almost a year now and has made incredible improvement. She connected us with a Speech Therapist as well and could not be happier with both of them. He goes 5 days a week and I feel they love him just like he is family. He is always excited to see them and happy (and tired) when he has finished his sessions. In just a year my son has gone from ZERO words (age 2) to repeating everything and answering questions on his own! He has learned to jump, use a straw, is MUCH better at self regulating and relaying his needs, and so much more! Everyone in this clinic has been wonderful and they truly focus on a positive and fun experience while getting the children the sensory input they need and expanding their horizons!

Tiffany
This place and the amazing staff has made miracles happen for us. Our son, L*, is making unbelievable progress and I accredit the therapy he receives at Playabilities and the caring, loving…

Nicole & Tyler

This place and the amazing staff has made miracles happen for us. Our son, L*, is making unbelievable progress and I accredit the therapy he receives at Playabilities and the caring, loving attitude of the staff. I can’t say enough about them!

Nicole & Tyler
I found playabilities on google while looking for services for my son. I had my concerns, however it wasn’t until his school told me that I needed to find additional help for…

Miranda

I found playabilities on google while looking for services for my son. I had my concerns, however it wasn’t until his school told me that I needed to find additional help for him that I started looking for services. I tried contacting multiple larger organizations and was told that I would be put on a waiting list or could schedule an evaluation months out. Playabilities called me back on the same day that I contacted them and got us scheduled within a week. They explained to us how my son’s sensory processing differences can attribute to his bizarre behaviors, meltdowns, and feeding issues. They taught us strategies to use to help calm his system and made his therapy time seem like play. He loves coming to therapy, even though he is challenged with things that are difficult for him. He is accepting more foods and more willing to try things after our therapist taught us the “food scientist” approach. His fear of everyday things has become less and less noticeable and we are so grateful that we found Playabilities.

Miranda
Upon my son’s diagnosis of Autism I was referred to Playabilities by a good friend. It’s been over a year and I’ve seen so much growth in my son! Jet came to…

Katie

Upon my son’s diagnosis of Autism I was referred to Playabilities by a good friend. It’s been over a year and I’ve seen so much growth in my son! Jet came to Playabilities with a lack of environment awareness and with no means to communicate his needs. Kelly listened to my goals for Jet, observed and through trial and error and the wonderful staff Jet has seen, Jessica and Carrie, he has made such progress through OT and Speech Therapy! My son now acknowledges people, makes eye contact, smiles, plays with other kids and waves and can communicate in his own special way! His listening skills have improved tremendously and I no longer fear taking my son out of his familiar surroundings as it relates to his safely. Thank for helping Jet reach where he is today. I’m so excited to see where he’ll be in another year! Thank you to all of the Playabilities staff for your patience and immense dedication to my Jet and all the other children you see.

Katie
Playabilities is a very engaging atmosphere. The therapists are extraordinary. They are compassionate and make me feel like my child is their number one priority while he is receiving individual therapy’s. They…

Kayci

Playabilities is a very engaging atmosphere. The therapists are extraordinary. They are compassionate and make me feel like my child is their number one priority while he is receiving individual therapy’s. They are patient and go to great lengths to understand my son and his needs. Our communication is great. I am able to email or contact individual therapists about any concerns I have and get response immediately. I love and appreciate all the work, care and progress they did in this past year for my son.

Kayci